BRITISH BOYS FOR FARM WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14391, 9 June 1910, Page 6

BRITISH BOYS FOR FARM WORK.

THE GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE. [BT TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Wednesday. Opinion in New Zealand is sharply divided on the scheme for the importation of British boys (not accustomed to farm work) for "a form of apprenticeship to farmers. Conversing on this subject with a Post representative to-day, the Minister for Agriculture explained the Government's position. He said: "In my opinion the boys should be trained before coming out here to farming work. The Government was urged to take a good many, and thought that 50 lads ■ would not make any difference one way or another to the. people of this Dominion. The Government will see that the conditions under which the boys will live and work are reasonable and comfortable. ' In Wellington province alone I understand 50 boys can be absorbed under conditions favourable alike to farmers and the lads. 1 " Regarding the future," Mr. McKenzie added, "it is obvious that if our lands are to be opened up and settled the Dominion must have a very considerable increase in its population. While it is contended that there is labour sufficient' for present requirements, .we must have a large increase of population of the right class to meet the needs of. the .future if the developments which are now Loiminent take place."