THE SEDGWICK BOYS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 64, 17 March 1913, Page 11

THE SEDGWICK BOYS

FIVE HUNDRED BOYS WAITING. Under date 24th January last, Mr. T. E. Sedgwick— tbe promoter of the Bcheme which was responsible for placing 50 City of London boys in the employment of New Zealand farmers-Mvrites a circular letter to the lads. Incidentally he reminds the boys that the occasion is the anniversary of their arrival in New Zealand, and "the third anniversary of hia first'leaving London to plead in person the cause of town lads before the authorities" here. And he continues in this strain : — "Formerly, those who did not know them had stated that town lads were unsuited and unfitted for farm life, and that most employers were unworthy and would not treat them well. We have proved that these statements are mischievous lie 6, born .of ignorance, window the offspring of indolence. If people would only do more experimental work instead of assuming things, they would give themselves more trouble but effect more good. This is just the reason why the laws of New Zealand are so much more enlightened than those of England. With proper legislation, poverty is just a's avoidable at Home as it is overseas, but here we talk, over there they act." In reference to the attitude of Labour towards the importation, of boys, he •ays :— "Labour has objected to lads, but thait party ought to be grateful for their introduction. You fifty lads who came out two years ago have 'consumed' about £800 worth, of clothing and a great deal more in food, have travelled on the railways, and have required, and will continue to require in increasing quantities, housing, and later on, fencing and implements, as you come to take up your own farms. If the number of lads had been higher, the amounts of imports and manufactures they would have required would have been higher, and the output of New Zealand's produce would have been correspondingly increased. The Dominion would also have more defenders, and. the National Debt would be spread over a larger population. When more boys are sent for I will bring them. I have' about five hundred on a waiting list' already, and know wher to go for another five thousand. "I am glad to hear that some of you' are already getting your, relations out to you. It is the beat possible uue to which you can put your banked wages, and the best thing you can do for 'God's Own Country.' " , s