Local Unemployed Boy Problem

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6993, 1 November 1932, Page 7

Local Unemployed Boy Problem

ROTARY CLUB’S DISCUSSION Departing from the usual custom of arranging for one speaker at its weekly gatherings, the Palmerston North Rotary Club yesterday propo'sed to hold a general discussion regarding the problem of the district’s unemployed boys. Three members of the club, Rotarians J. A. Grant, J. C. Young and John Murray, were deputed to survey briefly the subject from various angles, but the time was much too Short to permit of a comprehensive review, let alone a round-the-table talk, and Mr. Murray’* suggestion that the discussion be deferred to a later date was adopted. Rotarian Grant, at the outset of his remarks, said the amazing tiring about the problem was the tardiness of the approach to it, despite the fact that if was being given deep and serious thought in every civilised country. As far as he could see, there were three reasons. for the delay in tackling the problem—(l) Not because tho seriousness of it was not realised, but because tho problem had been overshadowed by the more immediately pressing problem of adult unemployment, (2) Because tho persons directly affected, the boys, were least able' to take measures to force the. seriousness of their plight before the public. (3) Because of the boy himself. In past times employment had always been available to the willing and competent worker. It . had been a recognised order of- things. To-day, however, the position was different, for the boy emerged from school to find a world where regular employment was not a recognised thing, but a privilege to the fortunate ones, and unemployment just as likely a's employment. Rotarian Young made reference to the work of the committee set np to deal with the problem of local unemployed boys. This committee had accomplished good work and had been instrumental in placing some 200 boys in jobs. The committee, however, could not get the best results without the whole-hearted and practical support of the community. In regard to,the community, however, _ he had been, startled to find that a- * groat majority of the people had adopted a fatalistic attitude in regard to the problem, which they hoped would be solved by the announcement in . the press that wool or buttor had a considerable advance in price. .I he speaker went on to say that tho cities, the servants of the country, were not bearing their fair share of the reduction in the country’s income. Referring directly to tho problem of finding work for boys leaving school, Mr. Young said that as a result of the economic situation there was not the same demand by business men for junior's. He held that in a time euCh as this business houses should give preference to boys. Rotarian Murray explained that the object of the discussion was to give members who had not been asisociated with the committee set up to deal with the problem the opportunity of discussing it. Mr. Murray added that the problem should be viewed from two angles —that of the boys of the world, and that of the boys of the district. In regard to tho broader outlook, it was worthy of note that the League of Nations had the raising of the standard of living as one of its avowed objects. An improved standard of living would mean tho developing of a consuming public, with a resultant fillip, to tho primary and secondary industries. Before concluding his remarks Mr. Murray stated that although 26 High School boys had been placed in positions during the 12 months ending October, 1930, and 29 during the year ending October, 1931, no fewer than 45 had been placed during tho period ending October 31, 1932. ‘ Mr. Murray moved that the discussion be deferred to an evening meeting to be held later in the year, and this was carried. The president moved that a definite time bo set asidß for the discussion, which would aim at tho formulation of definite schemes to place in positions the boys leaving school at the end ot the yfear. This was also adopted.