OUR BRITISH WARDS

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 3, 28 September 1944, Page 3

OUR BRITISH WARDS

“Continue To Be Very Happy” In the annual report of the Child Welfare Branch of the Education Department there is an interesting afid informative note on our young British wards. At March 31 last, it is stated, “British children in New Zealand had been here for about three years and a half, long enough for them to adapt themselves completely to our conditions. They continue to be very happy, and there arc indications that a number of them would like to stay here if their parents could join them. They are making good progress at their work and at school, and, generally speaking, have presented very few problems. This has been mainly due to the excellent homes they have had and to the unselfish care given them by their fosterparents; in addition, their own response has been splendid. As one boy has left New Zealand, our total for this year stands at 203.

By March 31 last, 71 of these children had left school, 53 were attending primary schools, and 79 attending secondary schools. Of those attending secondary schools, 8 were in Form VI; 16 in upper Form V; 17 in lower Form V; 18 in Form IV; 20 in Form 111. Of this number (79), 56 are taking a professional or general course; 7 commercial; 9 engineering or trades; 3 agricultural; 3 home science ; and 1 an art course. Of those attending primary schools, .14 are in Standaril VI; 14 in Standaixl V; Bin Standard IV; 11 in Standard III; and 6in Standards I and 11. Of the 71 who have left school, 7 attend university full time, 6 are at Teachers’ Training Colleges; 1 is nursing; 2 are working as nursing aides; 1 boy is studying accountancy; 1 is learning draughting; 4 are working in insurance offices; 9 are doing general office work; 5 arc in the Public Service; 4 are in banks; 10 are farming; 5 are iu engineering; 4 are working as shop assistants; 2 are learning dressmaking; 1. is an assistant in a children’s home; 1 is mining; 1 is working on munitions; 6 are doing various types of domestic work; and 1 boy is in the Air Force training to become a bomber pilot. “Where possible those young people who are working are encouraged to continue their education by taking evening classes or university lectures. The reports from their employers show that they perform their work in a conscientious manner and give satisfaction generally. Last year 8 passed the university entrance examination, bringing the total to date to 25. Many others have passed the Public Service entrance examination and some the school certificate examination. On the whole, their educational attainment is very satisfactory, and there arc a few who show exceptional ability. “Among the older boys are some who, realizing that they would have been called tip for military duties had (hey still been in the United Kingdom, fblt.it their duty to give their services in the same way as their contemporaries in Britain, and expressed :i desire to join one or other of the services. Already one boy has won his wings in the Air Force, one has left: New Zealand to join the Merchant Service as an apprentice, and .three are waiting to be. called up for the Navy. Others have expressed it desire to join the Navy or the Air Force.”