WORKLESS YOUTH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 256, 12 October 1932, Page 8

WORKLESS YOUTH

APPRENTICE PROBLEM

REPORT FOR CABINET.

FARMING INSTRUCTION. (By Telegraph—Special to “Tribune.”) Wellington, Oct. 11. important proposals for the solution of the juvenile unemployment problem are expected to be placed in the hands of the Government within the next few days by Messrs S. G. Smith aud A. E. Ansell, M.P.’s, who have been making extensive inquiries during the past few months. It is intended to deliver the report to the Prime Minister for Cabinet’s consideration, but it is being held up owing to the late arrival of certain written evidence concerning apprentices. Two major issues will be dealt with in the report—firstly, it will go info the question of apprenticeships; and on the other hand 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 some of the restrictions stated to be preventing the free employment ot youths in trades has already been mentioned, and it is possible that the re port will suggest steps that might be taken in this direction. INSUFFICIENT RELAXATION. It is held by some employers that even the relaxing of certain provisions governing the employment of appren tices under the legislation of last session is not sufficient, and it is maintained that no effective steps can be 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 1 providing greater taoihties for employment on farms is believed to be fully recognised by Messrs Smith and Ansell, and it is understood that they will have important proposals to make in this connection. Although nothing official has been stated concerning their findings, if is believed that they are m favour of making greater use of existing agricultural training institutions for youths. FARM-TRAINING COURSES. As a result of the inquiries made it is understood that the Government will be recommended to provide courses in farm training for a large number of youths during several months of the year. Accommodation at such*training centres as the Ruakura Farm, Lincoln College and other places is not sufficient at present to enable large-sized groups to be brought in from the surrounding districts for instruction, but it is believed that suggestions may be made for providing temporary accommodation. The effect of these part-time courses would b* that youths would receive practical instruction, enabling them to give better service on farms where they might ultimately secure permanent work and that they would also make it unnecessary for young people ti be employed at heavy farm work during the winter months.