PROSPECTIVE IMMIGRANTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2924, 30 March 1910, Page 10

PROSPECTIVE IMMIGRANTS.

BRITISH BOYS FOR FARMING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, March 24. Mr T- F. Sedgwick, who is interested in the emigration of British boys to the colonies, was a passenger from London by the lonic yesterday. He intends to inquire what inducements New Zealand can offer to lads who intend to take up farming. The youthful settlers will he picked lads,' who. if selected from London —the scene of Mr Sedgwick's labours.— will be given a preliminary rural training in some philanthropic farm colony in England. Country boys will, however, not be required to undergo such a probationary, course. The lads would come out in parties under a superintendent, who would sec that they were properly settled and under proper supervision, and who would also make arrangements for them if they were out of employment or were ill. Mr Sedgwick was moved to take uo this work by the terrible handicap which London lads are under by reason of not being able to get employment, or at any rate permanent employment leading to better things. Large numbers of boys were discharged when about 16 because they had become too old for boys' work and wages, and yet nothing was formd for them to do. They became disheartened, and if not taken in hand in time deteriorated. It is to save such lads that- Mr Sedgwick aspires to give them a start where the prospects are brighter and work more constant and better paid. He has come to this country to see what inducements it can offer, and if necessary to make arrangements for parties of selected- boys to come out.