WORKLESS YOUTHS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11767, 14 October 1932, Page 3

WORKLESS YOUTHS

APPRENTICES PROBLEM

REPORT FOR CABINET,

PRO BA BLE RECOMMEN DATIOX'd

FARMING IXSTKUCTION

The report, upon the : juveuile unemployment problem, which i-j being prepared tor the Prime .Minister by Mr. S. 0. Smith. M.P-- and Mr. A. E. Ansel!, MVP., is expected to bo completed within the.next few days. It is still being held up owing, to the late delivery of certain written evidence concerning apprentices, and as this will form an important, part of the report, it is desired to have, this before placing the results of tho investigation in the hands 'of the Government.

It is understood the report will deal with two major aspects of the hov unemployment problem. On the one hand it will go into the question of apprenticeships, and on the oilier it will deal with the possibility of extending employment by means of finding work in:, the ■ country.

The likelihood of amending legislation coming down this session to relax sonic of the restrictions stated to he preventing the free employment of youths in trades, lias already been mentioned, and if is possible te< report will suggest steps that might be taken in this direction. It is held bv some employers that even the relaxing of certain provisions governing the employment; of apprentices under the legislation of last session is uol sufficient; and it is maintained that no effective steps can he taken to increase employment among boys until the present system of contract engagements is further overhauled- This' question will probably be dealt with in the report.

The need for providing greater facilities for employment on farms is believed to he fully recognised by Messrs. .Smith ami Ansell, and it is understood they will have important proposals to make in this connection. Although nothing official has been stated concerning their findings, it is believed they are in favour of making greater use of existing agricultural training institutions for youths.

As a result of the inquiries made, it is understood the Government wtt] be recommended to provide courses in farm training for large numbers of youths during several, months of the year. The accommodation at such training centres as the Ituukura Farm, Lincoln College, and other places is not sufficient at present to ouable large-sized groups to be brought in from surrounding districts for instruction, but it is believed that suggestions might be made fur providing temporary accommodation.

The effect of these part-time courses would be that youths would receive practical 'instruction enabling them to give better service on farms where they might ultimately secuve permanent work, and they would also make it unnecessary for young peuple to be employed on heavy farm work during the winter months.