UNEMPLOYMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1937, Page 5

UNEMPLOYMENT

YOUTH PROBLEM THE MINISTER’S HOPES. (Per Press Association—Copyright). DUNEDIN. June 11. Tiie hope that- as a result of the | conference recently convened by him in Wellirq|tdn contribution would be made to the solution of the youth employment problem was expressed by the Acting-Minister for Labour (the Hon. P. C. Webb) in ; an interview to-day. The Minister outlined the progress achieved by the conference and stated that it had appointed a sub-committee to endeavour to evolve a scheme by which the entry of unemployed young men into industry could ye facilitated. “There were representatives at the conference,” the Minister said, “of the Chambers of Commerce, the Employers’ Federation, the New Zealand Federation .of . Labour, and members of the Trades Council, as well as repre- • I sensitive? of. the Young Men’s Christian AssofciationU! iTheflqhest ion of apprenticeship was discussed, and it was pointed out that industries in New Zealand under the present law could employ up to- 14,400 apprentices. Nevertheless,'only. 5000 were being employed. Although in 1928 there wero more than 10,000 registered apprentices, bv 1938 the number had fallen to 3000; but a decided improvement ~ had since taken place, although industry was at least 5000 short of its normal requirements. “It is obvious to everyone,” Mr Webb added, “that unless we can train our - young peoples for trades there will be a definite shortage in time of skilled artisans, which will hinder our economic development and recovery. Indeed’, is hiiow difficult to get good skilled’labour in many of the trades, aud with the further development of the Government’s housing scheme the position ..may- become more acute. The conference this pi at ter very fully, and; decided to appoint a. i comprising members of- the bodies represented to evolve a practical plan by which this critical situation might be alleviated.” ’ - V The Minister stated that apart from the apprentice.problem,,there were in New Zealand about 5000 young men between 19 and. 21,.. who had missed their chance of learning trades during the depression., years. A great many of theni were well equipped mentally a igiv trades,** and thff. had been asked to suggest a wav in which the entry of these men into, industry might be' facilitated? He was very hopeful .that this effort would result I in some practical scheme being put j into operation. SUGGESTION FOR PROBLEM. ■ HASTINGS, June 11. The opinion that the only satisfactory method of ameliorating the pressing problem of unemployment was for Government to allow portion of the I revenue of employment promotion fund to be devoted to training men and boys now idle so that they could be | absorbed in primary and secondary 1 I industries, was expressed by Mayor Maddison at_ the, Hastings Borough Council meeting' yesterday.