SCOUT LABOUR

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22471, 5 January 1943, Page 2

SCOUT LABOUR

Work For Commercial

Growers

Exploitation Denied

AUCKLAND. Jan. 4

Conditions under which Boy Scouts worked for commercial growers at Pukekohe recently were fully and openly discussed at a meeting of representatives of the Boy Scouts’ Association, the Franklin Growers’ Association and the Auckland District Primary Production Council. It was originally contended that some of the boys had worked close on a week to earn only 5/-. At the conclusion of the meeting a statement was issued, expressing regret that the undertaking should have resulted in a discussion about wages, after it had been started as a commendable national service. The special attention of the meeting was drawn to a circular letter which had been sent to all parents by the Boy Scouts’ Association prior to the enrolment of boys for the camp. It described the camp as a paid holiday camping period, and stressed the fact that it was an opportunity for the boys to do work of national importance, be paid for their labour, and have a camp at the same time. It was stated that all earnings would be pooled, in addition to expenses, and the scouts would be allotted their share of the balance of the earnings. The committee also pointed out that the enrolment forms were signed by parents or guardians, who accepted the' conditions as set out in the circular. The committee expressed itself satisfied that there had been no exploitation. and that rates of payment for work done were correct and. in sofrie cases, generous. The pooling of earnings naturally resulted in some boys receiving less than they earned, while some received more, but the pooling system was agreed to by all concerned before the camp. Although the boys were working five days a week, the cost of living and supervision of the camp was spread over seven days. The committee also issued a statement that similar camps would be held in January, and the scout commissioners were confident that the original estimate, which was 1 - an hour, could be earned by every boy willing to do a reasonable amount of work. The more important fact was stressed that each scout, who attended that camp and worked for the growers would be doing nationally important, work.