WORK FOR YOUTHS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22775, 8 July 1937, Page 14

WORK FOR YOUTHS

MINISTER'S CAMPAIGN

AN APPEAL TO INDUSTRY

PROPOSALS OF COMMITTEE [by telbgr \rn —rnnss association] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Plans for a Dominion-wide campaign with a view to finding employment in industry and commerce for youths at present out of work wore announced by the acting-Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, in a statement to-night. Some time ago Mr. Webb called a conference representing employers and labour organisations, chambers of commerce, the Y.M.C.A. and others interested to give special consideration to ways and means that might be adopted to bring about the absorption of the large number of youths at present out of employment. The conference appointed a small representative committee to concentrate on this question, and the steps it was now proposed to take as the outcome of the committee's deliberations were explained by the Minister.

Despite the special provision made concerning apprenticeship contracts and the work of the placement service, said Mr. Webb, there remained some 5000 normal young men unemployed. Co-operation Sought " The committee has directed its attention primarily to organising a more concentrated campaign during the next few months with the object of securing the full co-operation of all sections of the community and finding jobs and generally studying the position with a view to advising the Government later as to what other steps may have to be considered," lie added. " The representatives on the committee have placed their services at the disposal of the Government and will act as a liaison between departmental oflicers and employers' and employees' organisations in general. In addition they have requested their colleagues throughout the Dominion to set up similar organisations, so that the department's placement officers can seeuro the fullest measure of assistance in contacting with employers willing to employ youths.

Apprenticeship Contracts " Where special contracts of apprenticeship have been agreed upon special officers of the placement service have been delegated to concentrate on this work to act with tho representatives mentioned with a full knowledge of the number and capabilities of youths available and with information as to the particular branches, of industry for which they are considered suitable. It , will bo therefore possible for all em- ' plovers to gain a much more compre- j hensive knowledge of the position than j exists at the present time. " Kverythjng possible will be done," j continued the Minister. " to extend to these youth? -the benefits of standard employment, and I feel sure all con- , corned will unite and approach the problem in a spirit of helpfulness that the many difficulties which are sure to arise can be overcome. Obstacles to Overcome

" I appreciate that the provisions of the statutes and awards and the payment of the basic wage at 21 years of age are factors that may be met with in. the discussions, but I am confident that those "gentlemen with whom the arrangements will be handled will have the required judgment to decide the issues, having regard to the seriousness of the position on the one hand and the latitude that can be reasonably exercised on the other. " In conclusion I would earnestly appeal to all employers and representatives of employees' organisations," said Mr. Webb, " to extend their full cooperation to the Government in its desire to improve the lot of such a large number that have lost their opportunity in life. I want also to express gratitude and admiration of the splendid manner in which the various sections of industry and other bodies have proffered their help to the Government, which augurs so well for the success of the special campaign being launched.''