EMPLOYMENT OF BOYS

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1933, Page 7

EMPLOYMENT OF BOYS

NORTH TARANAKI COMMITTEE. 83 REGISTERED OUT OF WORK. A meeting of the North Taranaki Boys’ Employment Committee was held at New Plymouth last night, Mr. W. 8.. Moyes presiding. There were also present Messrs. O. Johnson, A. Busing, G. Fleming, A. L. Moore and W.- G. Reid. Of 38 boys who had left the high school only seven were unemployed, reported Mr. Moyes. Nine had gone farming while the others had found positions mainly in the town. There was a total absence of bank, public service and commercial house appointments where in normal times many boys were absorbed. The boys who had gone on farms would probably, in other years, have found employment elsewhere. The total number of boys registered as unemployed was 98, an increase of 20 since December. Of the 98, fifteen were definitely found positions, leaving a net total of 83.

“It is essential,” remarked Mr. Moyes, “that boys should register with the committee and when they have found positions, they should immediately notify us.” Mr. Johnson asked if anything had come of the scheme emanating from the committee suggesting that the insurance companies throughout New Zealand should take a boy at each branch. Mr. Moyes stated that only one company had taken up the matter and had placed a number of boys. It was resolved to compile a new list of boys seeking employment. That he had heard of several cases where boys who had been • placed on farms were allegedly overworked, was mentioned by Mr. Johnston. After considerable discussion it was decided that Messrs. Moyes and Reid see Mr. H. E. Blyde and go into the matter with a view to combating such practices. Boys are to be notified ‘that if they have any complaints, the committee is there to receive them. “The matter of finding suitable employment for boys has been one of great concern to me and I regret sincerely having to sever connection with the committee at this important juncture when there is so much to be done, wrote Adjutant S. Green. Though he had left the district, the adjutant promised his continued interest and his assistance if possible. He thanked the committee and especially the secretary for their help. It was resolved to write to Mr. Green expressing regret that he had left the district. Mr. Moyes stated that the adjutant had been one of the best public workers they had had for’ many years. Mr. E. J. Carr was appointed to the vacancy in the committee caused by the resignation of Mr. Green. Mr. Moyes reported on the sending of a "party of 20 High School boys to a farm at Toko during the school vacation, where they had destroyed 160 acres of ragwort. They had been in charge of Mr. F. J. Eggleton and had done excellent work. The boys received 15s a week and found. “It’s a pity that a lot of these unemployed boys could not be used in a similar way,” said Mr. Moyes. • Mr Moyes reported that members had visited the High School and given ad-, dresses in connection with employment. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Moyes for his courtesy in showing members around the grounds at the school. The inspection was an eyeopener to some, it was stated.