YOUTH IN CAMP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25017, 10 September 1942, Page 6

YOUTH IN CAMP

Sir, —As the parent of one of our youths in a military camp, I feel impelled to ventilate a matter which has been perturbing me for some considerable time. I refer particularly to the present 19-year-olds, some of whom have been more than a year in a distant camp, remote from their homes, and who now face the prospect of being kept there for the duration. These boys in many cases have long since completed their training as soldiers, and are not now learning anything new. Could the army authorities not consider returning them to civil life for a period and thus giving them incentive—something to live for? These lads are at a critical stage of their lives—a stage where they ought really to be getting a “leg in” on the trade or profession they have chosen. Going practically straight from school into camp, they have either not started their careers or have broken into their training. I feel they are being not fairly treated. They are being asked to carry a burden disproportionate to their age. Having completed their military training, surely they could, without prejudice to the national interests, be released to commence their civil careers. They could wear their battle-dress and be prepared to go into instant action should the Japanese attempt invasion of these shores. These boys entered camp full of keenness and enthusiasm. Now, on account of the wretched camp conditions and deadly monotony of the life that has besn thrust upon them, these bright lads are being slowly and surely transformed into morose, disillusioned, unambitious soldiers. It is all very fine having our war effort praised by General Hurley and others, but what, I ask, is to be the future of these boys if they are to be kept in camp another year or so (the duration), performing, day in and day out. the same monotonous operations? They will be too old to start in learning a trade or profession. What employer would take them on unskilled at anything and paid adult award wages?. What, then, is to be their future? —I am. etc., W. D. A. Dunedin, September 9.