WORK FOR BOYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20365, 20 September 1929, Page 14

WORK FOR BOYS.

THE DRIFT TO CITIES.

OPPORTUNITY ON THE LAND:

CO-OPERATION OF FARMERS.

[BX TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Thursday.

The problem of finding employment for boys leaving schoil is discussed by Mr. F. W. Rowley, Secretary of Labour, in his annual report presented to the House to day. He says the solution of the problem lies not meroly in the direction of proper vocational guidance of boys, as suggested by many, but in providing openings for them, there being a decided shortage of demand in the various occupations as at present carried on. This shortage of demand appears to be largely due to tho disproportion between the numbers of the population engaged in the primary and secondary pursuits on the, one hand and in the non-producing occupations on the other.

From 1906 to 1926 the proportion of tho population in the counties fell from 52 per cent, to 41 per cent. This means that if tho 1906 proportion had been maintained in 1926 there would be 143,000 more people in the counties than there are, and that number fewer in the towns. If the 1906 proportion had been maintained in 1926 the number of breadwinners in tho primary industries would bo nearly 40,000 greater, the number in secondary industries nearly 18,000 more, While the number in the non-producing professional and commercial occupations would be 26,000 less, and in transport and communication 15,000 less. It is evident, therefore, that tho chief solution of the difficulty lies in increasing on a large scale the numbers engaged as producers, especially in tho primary industries. The steps taken should lie in the direction of encouraging large numbers of boys to take up farm work, and, so far as they show themselves qualified, they should be granted such facilities as may bo possible to assist them to acquire small farms of their own. To this end negotiations have been opened with the Nefo Zealand Farmers' Union with a view to joint efforts with that body, the Farmers' Union branch offices arranging vacancies with farmers, and the department supplying the boys. In most districts the principles of the scheme havo been well received. Many of the farmers have expressed the view that, tho purpose of the scheme should not be to provide cheap boy labour, but to enable those boys who are suited for the life to ultimately become farmers on their own account.

The question whether a system of apprenticeships of the boys shduld recommended has been discussed. While considerable support has been given to it by a number of farmers and others, opinions have been divided. There is, however, nothing to prevent any farmer who may wish it from entering into an apprenticeship contract with a boy who is also agreeable. In fact, the schema as a whole, and the nature of the engagements made, must be left entirelv to agreement between each farmer and the boys engaged. The Farmers' Union has submitted the proposal to the Government, together with a number of suggestions for the training and assistance of selected boys to enable them to acquire their own farms. It might be pointed out that if any apprenticeships of boys to farming are entered into it will not be under the Apprentices Act, 1923 (under which the Court of Arbitration makes orders for the .control of apprentices in • the ordinary skilled trades), but under an Act pissed .specially for farm apprentices, viz., the Master and Apprentice Act, 1920.

COMMERCE CHAMBER'S SCHEME.

ABOUT 24 YOUTHS PLACED.

;■ ► 1 ' . v'V.' t About 24 boys have been found positions on farms through the agency of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce since its scheme for placing, boys on the land was introduced some time ago. The secretary, Dr. E. P. Neale, reported to the council yosterday that apparently no boys were looking for work on farms at the moment, as none were offering themselves. The schools had been circularised on the question. Mr. A. G. Lunn said it was rogr.ettable that so few boys were desirous of going on the land. "We felt that there was a number of boys getting into blind alley occupations here and we did our best to get them jobs on farms," ho said. "It is important for parents to realise that there is now a chance for their boys to out of the city." . "This only emphasises the claim of those engaged in secondary industries that if young people desire to work in factories in the city thev are going to do it," said Mr. J. A. C. All urn. "That is why secondary industries should be encouraged in order that those workers who will notgo on farms can bo absorbed." Mr. W. R. Ellingham said boys would nevor bo induced <o go on the land until a settlement scheme offering a chance of ultimate ownership of their own property was introduced.