SEAMEN’S CHILDREN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19042, 12 December 1923, Page 3

SEAMEN’S CHILDREN.

MIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND. SHEEPOWNERS’ SCHEME. No further time should be lost (states the annual report of the Now Zealand Sheopowners’ Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund) in carrying into effect the proposed scheme for the emigration of boys and girls from the Old Country. More, than a year, ago the trustees of the fund affirmed' the principle of devoting a considerable portion of the available funds at their disposal to bringing out to the dominion sons and daughters of seamen who were killed or disabled during the war. After preliminary training under the trustees’ supervision in the essentials of farm work, it is proposed to establish the newcomers on suitable farms throughout the country, and eventually it is hoped the boys will acquire farms of their own. Tiro scheme has teen held' in abeyance for some! months in order to enable Mr T. R. Lees while in England to discuss the proposals with the High Commissioner in London and with the London Advisory Committee. “The London Advisory Committee is strongly in favour of the proposition,” states the annual report, “and th.e trustees, being satisfied that the typo of boys which can be secured under the proposals are such that they will' make good and be a credit to New Zealand and themselves, have decided that no time should be lostin carrying the matter to a successful conclusion, limiting the scheme at first to boys only. _ Stops are being taken to acquire a suitable properly where the boys will receive preliminary training for six months, and after being taught to ride, drive, milk, plough, kill, repair fences, plant trees, etc., will be available for employment by suitable farmers approved by the trustees, preference being given to subscribers to the fund. , “It is hoped, when the operations of the scheme are in full working order, that 50 boys will bo available _ every throe months, and tho London Advisory Committee has been asked to take the Initial steps for the selection of tho first lot of boys.” 'The total available funds amount to £160,000, the greater part of which is to be devoted to the migration scheme.