FARM APPRENTICES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2027, 13 August 1920, Page 3

FARM APPRENTICES.

LADS FROM THE HOMELAND. LEGISLATIVE PROVISION. I From Our Own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 12. Provision is made in the Master and Apprentice Amendment Bill, which has passed its first heading in the House of Representatives, for the apprenticeship of New Zealand boys to the occupation of farming. The Bill mainly applies to immigrant boys, but all the benefits offered to them are extended to New Zealand-born farm apprentices. With regard to farm boys whose passages out from Great Britain are assisted by the Government, the Master and Apprentice Act, 1908, requires that indenture of apprenticeship should be executed by the parent or guardian of the boy and by the employer. Compliance with this provision is impossible in eases where arrangement is made for the immigration of boys to be subsequently employed. The boys being under age, their own contract does not bind them. The Government undertakes the control and care of such boys, and therefore enters into a more or less definite arrangement with the parents, guardians and relatives of such boys in the United Kingdom, for due provision being made in New Zealand for the employment of the boy and for the provision of proper .food, clothing and comfort. Unless the boy is bound to remain in his employment, and be subject to such control by his employer as is provided in the Master and Apprentice Act, it is impossible for the Government to perform its engagements. Further, it is necessary that boys should be under some control from the time of their departure until their engagement in New Zealand. For these objects, provision is made for an indenture, signed by the High Commissioner and the boy, becoming binding iu England and afterwards to the extent defined in the original Act, or until cancelled,"with the consent of the Minister. Special provision is made enabling the Minister to alter the indenture signed in England, in a manner advantageous to the boy, but not otherwise. Provision is made by which the apprenticeship extends to the age of 20 years. This is necessary, because ft is not intended to engage boys of an agCg =,of less than lb, and it is desired to engage them up to an age of somewhat over 18 years, but under IP. It is provided that, after the first year, the apprentice shall receive full wages, according to his age and capacity, such wages to be not less than the wages ruling in the district for lads of like »ge and capacity.