OFF TO THE COUNTRY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 21, 26 January 1911, Page 8

OFF TO THE COUNTRY.

BOYS FROM HOME. I TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT. I The glamour of the voyage overpast, a section of the boys who came out by the Athenic under Mr Sedgwick yesterday,, were inclined to a pessimistic view of the conditions of their enterprise. A Poet representative, in conversation with man-y of the lads, was led to believe that quite a number — nearly all those with whom he came in contact — were misled in some way as to tho terms of apprenticeship and the rate of payment, or had misunderstood them. The lads are bound for three years, or until they reach the age of 21, and sections of the London contingent were not greatly taken with the prospect of life in the backbloeks at 5s per week, as they put it. Several of the lads were strong and able enough to do a man's work, and these particularly did not like the idea of having to do farm work at so small a wage. Mr Collins, chief clerk of the Labour Department, cleared up matters to-day considerably. Several lots of the boys have been drafted away, as announced yesterday, and they are satisfied that : the Labour Department ia not attempt- i ing to impose on them. The wages, itwas arranged before the boye left, range from 5s to 10s, according to the size, age, aptitude or experience of the boy. Seven of the batch axe capable milkers, and these, of course, will ooramand the higher raie. From each bejy for the first year the department will exact his weekly wug-e, less one shilling, to be reserved to the lad for pocket money. The remainder goes to dear off his passage money. Several of the terms of agreement are not yet signed, as the department has left the farmer and his j charge to come to an amicable settlement in the way of an increase on the j rate of wages offered if the youth shows j that he deserves it. Practically all the vital arrangements of the enterprise were made at this end, as the department had no idea of the accomplishments of the boys in regard to the work they were coining to. This was one' of the reasons why no scale of wages could be fixed upon at Home. Anyway, though there was a little heartburning when friends were sent different ways to-day, the boys went off in good Sfeart to enter upon their new career. Though the dairy farmers in various parts bid high for the boys, the department considered that its idea would be better carried out if the lads could be placed on a farm where they would receive an all-round training. Several daiiy farmers in Taranaki offered infcel-' ligent and willing boys the ruling rate of wages after a short trial, but the--department decided as above. The two boys, who missed the boat' at Hobart are, on the Minister's instructions, to be brought over later. Places have been found for them in South Canterbury and Rotorua. s "In regard to these boys," said Mr. Collini, "the department is looking more to the future than fche present. What we desire is that they should receive such a training as will make them all-round farmhands* or fanners." Wages, were, he added, hardly so important at this stage as experience. It hail' been agreed upon, that any boy who stowed special aptitude and industry in his, work should be raised on the wages list. In regard to the spending powers of the- lads, it was pointed out that should any special need arise the boys should be allowed to appropriate^ a. greater proportion of their earnings. For instance, one boy of the present company, who has a mother to assist, when appointed to a- certain farm, at a certain wage, made known his responsibility, and requested that he might be j placed where the wages were more re- j munerative. This was done, and, under such circumstances, that youthful farmhand will be allowed a little more from hie. earnings for the purpose he has in view. And so with others. Tentative arrangements are already in progress if this experiment proves a success, and the department ventures on a second lot of such immigrants. It was considered that it would be an improvement if the next .batch could be consigned to the one district, and this will most probably be done. N WELCOME BY THE MINISTER OF LABOUR. This morning the Minister for Labour (Hon. J. A. Millar) addressed 1 the boys at the office of the Labour Department. The Minister tendered the lads a warm welcome and some sound advice receiving a boisterous deception. Mr. Millar pointed out the excellent opportunities that were being afforded thesa youths, and urged them to do their very best wherever they were. He advised them that the Labour Department would not lose^sight of them. On the other hand, they must be careful not to w-orry the Department with complaints they could not substantiate. The boys gave the Minister a round ■of cheers.