TRAINING OF APPRENTICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 April 1927, Page 6

TRAINING OF APPRENTICES.

Unfortunately there is every reason to agree with a recent statement of: the Minister of Labour (Hon, J. G. Anderson) that the Apprentices Aet of 1923 has not achieved the purpose for which it was placed on the Statute Book.’The Act was the outcome of deliberations of employers, workers and the Government, and it was hoped would result in a sufficient supply of apprentices for the principal industries and ensure them proper training. Mr. Anderson reminded his hearers, the master builders, that in their own trade it had been reported to him that there were vacancies for at least 100 apprentices in the Wellington district. Though youths were wilting to take such positions there seemed no undue eagerness on the part of employers to undertake the responsibility of training them. On the other hand, trades unions had attempted to use the quota of apprentices as a kind of makeweight in adjusting wages, a shortsighted policy which has led to an insufficient number of apprentices being trained to keep up the supply of tradesmen. Next to the primary producei’ the skilled tradesman is essential to the true progress of any community, and any artificial, interference with the supply of apprentices, whether by trades union rules or by awards of an Arbitration Court,, is hoiix«l, in the long run, to'have an ill effect upon the Dominion. Complaints- are frequently made as; to the overcrowding of the professions' -in this country, and if in consequence youths are turning towards skilled trades they should be given every encouragement to do so. Whatever the defects of tire apprenticeship, system in older days, it had at least the merit of turning out skilled craftsmen, and this is still the “acid test” of any system of training. According to the Minister, committees in various towns are watching the effect of the present law, and will meet in conference next month and discuss the necessity of amending it or not. Speaking personally, as he was careful to explain, Mr Anderson expressed the view that if legislation could not ensure the recognition of the right of every young citizen to a trade or calling, it would be necessary for the State to undertake the training of apprentices. It would be a sorry day for the Dominion if such a policy were seriously contemplated. It is the introduction of politically created interference with industry that has led to the present difficulties. If this can be removed, employers will again be willing to accept the responsibility of training apprentices and to take pride in so doing. So long as their employment is made the opportunity for trade union tyranny so long will prospective apprentices, and the community, continue to suffer.