ENCOURAGING BOYS TO GO ON THE LAND

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6849, 2 March 1929, Page 10

ENCOURAGING BOYS TO GO ON THE LAND

Apprenticeship Scheme OUTLINED BY FARMERS’ UNION AND GOVERNMENT Per Press Association. STRATFORD, Last Night.

Following on a discussion at the last meeting of the Dominion executive of the Farmers' Union, a report has been prepared by the Under-Secretary of Labour and the Dominion Secretary of tho Union for consideration by provincial executives of the Union. The Dominion president, Mr. W. J. Poison, M.P.) has handed an outline of the report,to the press, so that-farmers may express opinions upon it before it i 3 finalised by the Union. The report states that large numbers of boys leaving school arc unable to find, work in the towns in skilled trades. As tho state of trade depends on the export of dairy produce, the government has decided to encourage the development of farming industries. It is therefore proposed that the Labour department should co-operate with the Farmers Union in finding employment on the land for those desiring land work. Fanners are urged to take boys under apprenticeship contracts, which can be made under tho 1920 amendment of the Act.* The suggested term is three years, with tho provision Of an optional probationary period to prove tho suitability of tho apprentice. The suggested wages for the first year are ton shillings weekly and found and the wages for the remainder of the -term shall be such as arc paid to boys of the age and capacity of an apprentice. Provision is made for arbitration on this point. The contract may provide for half wages to be deposited with a government official for investment for the apprentice. This will' provide part of tho amount required if the boy should desire to purchase a small farm. The employer is recommended to ensure the boy against liability under the Workers’ "Compensation Act. Each provincial executive of the Union will appoint two members to act on the committee with a representative of the Labour department to deal with questions relating to apprentices in their districts.

The ultimate object is to secure the settlement of pumice land in thermal districts, North Auckland gum lands and land at present unsettled. Group settlement will be tried, the boys working under experienced supervision. Blocks are to bo subdivided among them after purchase under the 36 years mortgage system. Tho Lands department will be asked to finance for dwellings, fences, etc. It is also proposed to establish farm schools on selected farms under the control of a competent authority.