WORKLESS YOUTHS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 193, 30 July 1932, Page 4

WORKLESS YOUTHS

URGENCY OF PROBLEM NAPIER FORMS COMMITTEE POSITION FULLY APPRECIATED The urgency of the question of placing boys leaving school in employment was fully appreciated at a meeting held in Napier and presided over by Mr W. E. Barnard, M.P., when it was decided that the endeavours already centred on a solution of the problem be intensified by the formation of a committee called the Napier Boys’ Employment Committee, to be incorporated with the unemployment committee of the High School Parents ’ League, which was formed several months ago. In explaining the purpose of tho meeting, Air Barnard said that he did not think it necessary to stress the seriousness of the position of boys leaving school being unable to find employment. A similar difficulty had arisen with regard to girls, but as the result of the Napier Women’s League giving the matter its attention, much had been done to relieve the seriousness of the position.

NO OVERLAPPING. “In a problem of this sort,’’ said Air Barnard, “we do not want any overlapping of committees working for the one good.” He went on to explain that a sub-conunittce of the High School Parents’ League had been formed some time ago and was doing all in its power to case the position. Ho thought that the best thing to be done was to enlarge that sub-committee by having on it some persons who, while not members of the Parents’ League, were vitally interested in assisting the boys. The committee might then enlarge their scope of activities. Air Barnard thought that a very satisfactory step in this direction might be the giving of agricultural instruction to boys of the town at the Napier Boys’ High School. Also technical classes might be formed so that the boys could continue their education in a manner which would be of advantage to them later on when they did obtain employment. The encouragement of recreation might also be considered, went on the speaker, who suggested that, as Napier was a sea-port, a body of Sea Scouts might be formed. While this might not assist the boys in securing work, yet it would provide them with healthy recreation.

A SURVEY TAKEN. “The committee of the High School Porents’ League has met about every six weeks and has done everything possible to place boys leaving school in suitable employment,” said the Rev. F. de Lisle, a member of tho league. He explained that a survey had recently been taken, when it was found that about 100 boys at the present time were anxious to secure employment. Of that number 80 wanted to get positions as office clerks. There were not the facilities in the town at present to give 80 boys positions as clerks in offices, however, and Air de Lisle thought that the boys should be encouraged to obtain jobs as apprentices to tradespeople. “The need for placing our boys in positions is vital,” he concluded, “and if something is not done soon, then we are not doing our duty to our community.” The chairman of the Napier Unemployed Workers’ Association, Mr W. Miller, stated that tho association fully appreciated the seriousness of the position and that its members were prepared to do everything possible to help. He praised the Napier Women’s League for the able manner in which it was coping with the position regarding unemployed girls.

MR. FOSTER’S SUGGESTION. Mr Barnard, in apologising for the unavoidable absence of the chairman of the High School Parents' League, Mr W. T. Foster, read a letter from him in which he stated: —“You are already aware not only of my views of the seriousness of the situation, but also of the work that has been done so far by a committee of the High Schoo} Parents’ League. Progress is admittedly slow; moreover, I am convinced that little can be done unless financial help is forthcoming from the Government. My committee is acting, of course, only on behalf of the school. The problem, however, embraces many youths not at school. I am therefore of the opinion that a central committee is necessary. It seems to me that a permanent secretary should be appointed with an office, where a complete register of unemployed youths could be made.”

Acting on tho suggestion put forward by Air Foster the meeting decided to form a central committee, to include the comnfittee of the Parents’ League, to be called the Napier Boys’ Employment Committee. The meeting felt that before approaching the Government for assistance, the newly-formed committee should meet to see what could be done locally. The following were then elected to form the nucleus of the committee: — The Rev. F. de Lisle (convenor), and Messrs W. Miller, W. H. Dawson, F. J. Annan, J. Alurphy and D. D. Alole. “I believe that once the problem is tackled, the public will be responsive,” said Air Barnard, at tho conclusion of the meeting. “I feel sure also that the excellent movement started by tho committee of the Parents’ League will bo ably supported by this central committee.”