DIFFICULT DAYS FOR YOUTH

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 44, 15 November 1941, Page 8

DIFFICULT DAYS FOR YOUTH

The life of the community is so far from normal that young people fmd it difficult to settle down to steady, solid work. The report of the examinations of apprentices in the electrical trade illustrates this point clearly. Over a period of some years—the figures for pre-war and war years were not given—only 31 per cent, o, the candidates passed the theoretical and only 50 per cent, the practical examination. These results, and probably they are not exceptional, reflect the conditions obtaining. There are so many things to distiact, a sort of ferment in the national life, that young people, the most easily affected section of the community, exhibit a restlessness that is really a sign of the times. The trouble is that these citizens of tomorrow are not old enough to see that what may appear to be an immediate gain may ultimately be a distinct handicap. The dull slog of study, when the whole town, city or district is worked up about some event or fixture, tends to be regarded by the young as something to be avoided if possible. An evening at a technical school seems to them to be of secondary importance to attendance at some popular entertainment or display. And it would be as well if all concerned with the-welfare of the young people realized the difficulties and dangers of the position. Parents should be able to take the longer view, and exert their influence to ensure that the lads are encouraged to develop to the full their individual powers, so that they may live their lives m a bigger sphere than that of the unskilled worker. It will not be an easy matter for it involves a measure of discipline at a time when fiequently it is resented, but in the best interests of the lads themselves something must be done. There could hardly be a greater incentive.