FLOCK HOUSE

Southland Times, Issue 20044, 4 December 1926, Page 9

FLOCK HOUSE

GIRL FEELING “POSH.” SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME. London, October 6. Seventeen South Shields boys have already taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the Sheepowners’ Acknowledgment Debt to British Seamen Fund and settled in NewZealand, while three others are due to sail in November. In addition, six other boys—three from Stanhope Road School, one from Dean road, one from Laygate lane, and another from the High School—have been recommended for acceptance by the South Shields Advisory Committee for juvenile employment. Four South Shields girls have gone out under the scheme, and seven others have been recommended. It is perhaps natural, therefore, that the Shields Daily Gazette should devote a column to a description of the working of this migration scheme. Half the space is devoted to some personal notes supplied by Mr Frank W. Ivev. who has recently visited the boys and girls in the Dominion. Reporting on his visitations generally, Mr Ivey writes —“All the boys looked well and nearly without exception had had splendid health since their arrival in New Zealand. The food given to employees on farms or big sheep properties (stations) is very good, and in consequence of this and the openair life the boys have made great development in physique. They were keen for their brothers and sisters to follow them, and when they do so an effort is made to place them in employment in the district. Parents wishing to come out to New Zealand are strongly advised to wait until their lads have finished the three years indentured period, when they will be more established and better able to make the arrangements necessary.”

After quoting from Mr Ivey’s reports on individual boys and girls the Gazette remarks—“ All the reports are distinctly satisfactory, and there is every indication in them that the young settlers have not regretted the step they have taken. Supporting these reports are the cheery letters which are constantly being received from both the boys and girls containing interesting descriptions of their life and work in New Zealand. A letter sent by Ruby Ancrum, who is in the Dominion, states—‘l am feeling “posh.” What a time we are having. Could not possibly have a better place to live in.’ In view of the increasing numbers of boys and girls from South Shields who are desirous of emigrating under the scheme, a movement is on foot to have a special party from Ihe borough.’ *