"SEDGWICK'S BOYS."

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15524, 26 January 1911, Page 7

"SEDGWICK'S BOYS."

ARRIVAL AT WELLINGTON. [Per Prkss Association.]

WELLINGTON, January 25

The fifty boys who have been imported under Mr Sedgwick's scheme for farming work in New Zealand arrived by the Athenic this afternoon. They look a healthy, well-selected lot, and gave the health officer no trouble, though the names of three wore taken for further observation. The Minister of Immigration (the Hon G. Fowlds) and the Secretary of Labour (Mr Tregear) met the party on board. The Minister welcomed the lads to the dominion, saying that the authorities would try and do their best to give them an opportunity of making a good future. "They should live honestly and honourably in the sight of all men and should remember that not only was their own reputation at stake, but the possibility of others coming after them depended very largely upon their conduct. They would have opportunities in this country of making an honourable existence, such as would not have been possible in the Old Land. Mr Tregear reminded the boys that New Zealand was not paved with gold. No gold was got without hard work. The Labour Department would be a kind of foster-father, and if they wanted advice and belli they should apply to the officers. The Chinch of England Men's Society entertained the boys at tea, and during the cveiving the party visited the Labour Department's offices, where thoso proceeding north were interviewed individually, conditions of apprenticeship entered upon, and an agreement signed.

A party will leave for the north tomorrow, the southern contingent leaving on Friday-.