FIVE-DAY WEEK

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 31, 5 August 1936, Page 19

FIVE-DAY WEEK

PROBLEM OF YOUTH

"WORK FOR IDLE HANDS"

(By Toleoraph.) (Special to the "Evening Post")

DUNEDIN, This Day.

"We are on the threshold of a very interesting experiment in this country," said the rector of the Otago Boys* High School (Mr. G. R. Kidson) at the annual dinner of the Old Boys' Society, "and I do not think that people realise just what the 40-hour, five-day week will mean. It is a serious matter to school "teachers who are turning out boys as I am. Not many people have realised that boys are going to have nothing to do from Friday evening till Monday morning, and remembering the old proverb that Satan can always find something for idle hands to do, its seriousness is brought home."

The five-day week, Mr. Kidson continued, would be a boon if it were properly used,- but the question of how the young men were going to employ their leisure was a large one. Will they read or play games, or if the State sees fit to organise Saturday morning classes, will they attend?" he added. "This is going to be a real .problem and it will Offer parent? a real challenge. It will be interesting to watch during the coming years and see whether they respond to that challenge and assume the responsibilities which many have in the past been shirking."