USEFUL LEISURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22202, 31 August 1935, Page 10

USEFUL LEISURE

OVERCOMING PROBLEM MUCH SUCCESS ABROAD PROVIDING FOR UNEMPLOYED Agreement with the suggestion that there should be a movement in N ew Zealand for the proper use of the leisure hours of the unemployed, p ar . ticularly men on sustenance, was expressed by Mr. 1). M. Rae, prin->. cipal of tho Auckland Training College. During a tour last year Mr. J{ ae observed the successful methods practised in England and the United States for the advancement of those out of work, the primary consideration being to maintain their morale. Mr. Rae said there was every justification to advocate such a beneficial project. Where there had been striking progress abroad, New Zealand had neglected a question of importance to the whole community. As it was, wasted human capital was represented in the men and women on whose behalf it was suggested that efforts should be made to develop their personal interest in worthwhile topics. He had found that in the United States, social agencies were being wisely used to provide leadership and initiative for groups of unemployed, removing dangers which were possible in months and years of useless leisure. Achievements in New "Vork No employment was offered under the social schemes which were to be found on every hand, he said, but there was a relation between the personal advancement made and the prospects of an individual in regaining employment. The New York Social Adjustment Service was an outstanding instance of what had been done, Mr. I?ae continued. The main objects were to provide unemployed of all ages with vocational and social guidance and to give them an opportunity of enjoying what was virtually free education in subjects for which they were suited. The potentialities of an applicant in relation to his possible occupation were assessed expertly. This process was known as "adjustment," and it was shown that unemployment was often due to individuals undertaking tasks for which they were not fitted.

Striking results had been obtained in England, where the unemployment legislation was especially allied to educational objects. The training centres established by the Ministry of Labour were the envy of outside observers. It had been estimated that upward of 80 per cent of 160,000 men and wojjien who had been in the centres during the past nine years had returned to employment. An important aspect of the efforts abroad was the recognition of the advantages obtained from adult education, which could be carried out systematically. Serious Youth Problem Mr. Rae said applying imagination to the unemployment problem in New Zealand was an urgent necessity. One need was a statistical survey of what was happening to those between tlao ages of 16 and So, for the seriousness of the youth problem was vital to the whole community and the etlects of idleness tended to become more acute. Any project to provide useful leisure would not be compulsory to the unemployed. The initiative could well be taken in Auckland. There could be a modest beginning in a suitable and cen-trally-situated building, and an "adjustment bureau' for the guidance of the unemployed could bo established. The interests of the individual could receive attention, without any suggestion of patronage. The important thing was to give wholesome interests to those who were liable to deteriorate through unprofitable leisure, Mr. l\ae concluded. A decisive plan dealing with cultural discussions, handcrafts and health questions would do much to eliminate public apathy concerning the many people who were wasting valuable years for the want of guidance.