TIRANAKI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2511, 30 April 1902, Page 54

TIRANAKI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

CHILDREN AND THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. NEW PLYMOUTH, April 28. At a largely attended meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to-night, the question of child slavery in connection with the dairy industry was discussed. Extracts were read fiom the reports of the Education Boaid'6 inspector to the effect that the dairying, displaced a greater evil than poverty with its sordid attendants. Before its eotablifchment ao a permanent industry children had to work as d for a less leturn. Small farmers studied, and the kfene-t efforts of the whole family scarcely prcn ided the barest necessaries of life, and children, being required during the day, were unable to attend school regularly. Now, in tl,e winter, little milking is done, but in tho tumnier time children get up early, go earlyto bed, go to fcchool more regularly, and greatly participate in the results of their labours. They are better clad, their homes are larger and more comfortable, and the general conditions are vastly improved. The following resolution was passed unanimously with respect to an article in the Evening Post headed " Child Slavery in Taranaki " : — " This chamber, from its own knowledge and 'from the report of the inspector of schools, confidently asserts that the physical and mental status of the children has vastly improved since the establishment of the dairy industry in TaranakLand can challenge comparison with the children of any other district in the colony." The chamber ako appointed a deputation to wait on the Harbour Board to urge that steps be taken to approach the Government ■with a view to tho employment of prison labour on the harbour extension.