YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 32, 6 August 1936, Page 15

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

BASIC WAGE AT 21

TEACHERS CONCERNED

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

NELSON, Augusts.

Concern among the teaching profession as to the probable effect of the application of the basic wage at the age of 21 years on the youth employment problem was mentioned by the principal of Nelson College, Mr. H. V. Searle, in his monthly report to the Council of Governors.

"Although the demand for Doys in some of the centres' exceeds the supply/1 said Mr. Searle, "there are as yet in Nelson-no indications of ah- abnormal number of boys leaving school for employment at an early age. Of the 54 boys who have left during the year only three are third form boys. At the same time there is some concern among the teaching profession as to the probable effect of the application of the-basic wage at 21 on the youth employment problem. It is thought in some quarters that this will result in the employment of boys at an earlier age and a consequent lowering of the general standard of- education of New Zealand youth. If the benefits of the basic wage, the 40-hour week, and increased leisure are obtained at the expense of youth education it seems some further legislation, such as raising of the school leaving age, will be necessary."

It was resolved that the following remit be prepared for the forthcoming conference of the technical school associations: "That the'-council of governors of Nelson College views with concern the effects of the basic wage at 21 on the prospects for senior boys obtaining positions."