BOYS ON FARMS

Southland Times, Issue 23001, 22 September 1936, Page 8

BOYS ON FARMS

APPRENTICESHIP IDEA ADVOCATED A THREE-YEAR BASIS (United Press Association.) Masterton, September 21. The apprenticeship of boys to farmers was urged at a meeting of the Wararapa Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union to-day. It was stated that if a suitable scheme could be evolved, it would be some encouragement to a farmer to teach a boy and make him a thoroughly efficient farm worker.

The following motion was carried unanimously: “That the executive of the Farmers’ Union be asked to formulate a comprehensive scheme of apprenticeship for boys leaving school, say, on a three-year basis on dairy and sheep farms.” Another matter of importance debated by the executive was the provision of better facilities for the erection of houses for married farm workers. The debate followed the reading of a letter from the secretary of the Labour Department, asking for comment on a suggestion that had been submitted that a more adequate supply of farm labour would be ensured if the Government offered to advance cheap money and a subsidy for the erection by farmers of farm dwellings suitable for married men. Speakers stressed the need to increase the rural population and the following motion was carried unanimously:—“That this executive endorses the suggestion from the Labour Department and notes with surprise that this obvious measure was not included in the recent Housing Act.”