FLOCK HOUSE BOYS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 200, 7 August 1928, Page 8

FLOCK HOUSE BOYS

LEARNING THRIFT LARGE SUMS SAVED The progress made by Flock House lads on farms and stations in New Zealand since the first few trainees went out to employment three and a-half years’ ago, has been watched with great interest by thoughtful people, whose attention has been attracted by the spirit of zeal and thrift they have displayed in their efforts to become worthy citizens of the Dominion. It cannot be denied that the lads have given an example that could well be followed by many others in New Zealand, for they realise that, while the training given them at Flock House is invaluable to them, it is not sufficient—they must have finance behind them if their ventures on the land are to be successful. They have learned the lesson of thrift, saving this here, and that there, and with the aid of their benevolent trustees, they have shown that ordinary healthy and ambitious boys, with a predilection for country life, but without any previous farming knowledge or experience, can come into this country, and by hard work, grit and thrift, combined with wise help and guidance, can become most useful members of the farming community. In fact, the boys being trained at Flock House to-day can aspire, when they are fully qualified, and while still in the early yeprs of their maturity, to be in a position to make a start for themselves with every prospect of success. When, four yqprs ago the Flock House scheme was commenced, and the sons of British seamen came out to New Zealand to be trained* for the land, the trustees of the institution also commenced a scheme whereby the trainees’ savings from their wages were put in trust with the Public Trustee. Naturally, the success of such a scheme depended on the boys themselves, and their excellent response is shown in the following information, obtained from the managing trustee, Mr. T. R. Lees, who has supplied in tabulated form, figures giving the savings from wages held by the Public Trustee:— £ £

OTHER INVESTMENTS In addition to these funds the Public Trustee holds accumulated pension moneys to the credit of the boys to a total of approximately £3,900, while, further, 228 have paid one, two or three years’ premiums on life assurance policies varying from £2OO to £4OO, the total amount assured being £64,550. Many also own horses, dogs, saddles and equipment, and a number of them over 20 years of age, who draw their wages direct in full have their own Post Office Savings Bank accounts in addition, though the majority of these still continue to have their savings sent in to the care of the trustees.

The authorities regard the position as most encouraging; it has completely justified their fixed policy to form the habit of thrift in the Flock House boys and. gh'ls, and although, doubtless, many will slip back when, through coming of age, they pass from under the control of the trustees, it is hoped that the greater number will continue in the habits they have formed and will become substantial citizens of New Zealand. There is no doubt but that the promise of the trustees to assist later those who play the game to make a start for themselves, by subsidising their savings, is a powerful inventive. . .

When questioned as to the position at Girls’ Flock House, near Awapum, Mr. Lees stated that the trustees were well satisfied with the result, of the scheme, but as this institution had been in existence onlv two years, compared to the boys’ four, there was as yet nothing definite to show.

Over 10 and under 20 —48 trainees Over 20 and under 30—36 trainees Over 30 and under 40—30 trainees Over 40 and under 50—23 trainees Over 50 and under 60—26 trainees Oyer 60 and under 70—45 trainees Over 70 and under 80— 9 trainees Over 80 and under 90—10 trainees Over 90 and under 100— 9 trainees Over 100 and under 110—10 trainees Over 100 and under 120— 4 trainees Over 120 and under 130— 4 trainees Over 130 and under 140— 1 trainee Over 140 and under 150— 1 trainee Over 150 2 trainees 258