PUBLIC OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18056, 17 January 1927, Page 6

PUBLIC OPINION.

WHAT OTHER WRITERS ARE SAYING.

Future Journeymen. Disappointment has previously been expressed with the result of the efforts to secure a systematic and efficient introduction of boys leaving school to apprenticeships in skilled trades. The Secretary of the Labour Department states that he has a list of about 400 boys seeking such opportunities, but in spite of the recent public discussions of the subject, and of direct appeals l>y official advertisements, not one employer has offered any of these boys the means of entering upon a training for his chosen vocation. The lack of response by employers cannot, be due to statutory restrictions, for Mr Rowley states positively that only the cabinetmaking and the plumbing trades have their full quotas of apprentices. This conclusion may not pass without challenge, for it was recently shown that owing to conflicting provisions regarding the quotas allotted to districts and to individual employers, the former might not lie completed when the latter had engaged as many apprentices as the number of journeymen allowed. Yet when full allowance is made for such anomalies, the remedying of which must be regarded as a matter of urgency, it must still appear remarkable that not a single emplo}*er can offer employment to any of the hundreds of boys who arc willing to enlist in the army of trained craftsmen. But something more than sympathetic interest is needed from employers, some practical evidence Of willingness to co-operate in" training the future generation of journeymen in place of the present evidence of indifference to their own responsibilities and the welfare of the Dominion’s youth.—New Zealand Herald.” a Britain and America. It is not in any way a reflection upon Mr Bruce’s sincerity to suggest that in England he may have received a hint in high quarters that he might do something to better Anglo-American relations. Detached from English politics, speaking as the political head of a young nation, and about to visit the United States, he was in a position to say things that could scarcely have come from an English Minister. He has said them frequently and emphatically—some of them too emphatically for the tastes of some Britons, who think he has over-flattered the Americans. But however much one may* disagree w r ith some of his utterances, there is no doubt that his line of speech has conformed with traditional British policy. This policy is discussed in one of those weighty but clear articles for which the “ Round Table ” is noted. Ever since the Revolution, so the writer says, it has been an axiom of English statesmanship to keep on good terms with America. We are asked to remcmlier that whereas Britain has long Ijeen well educated in international politics, America has not. The writer is convinced. however, that American education is proceeding and that pressure of circumstances will compel Americans to take more interest in world affairs. To assist this process Britain must show “ her traditional patience, sagacity and good-humour.” Much could be written on this one sentence, but we have only space now to note this plea, and to remark that in ‘its conclusions the article appears to represent fairly accurately Mr Bruce's views. Mr Bruce realises the enormous importance of Anglo-American friendship, and is sincerely striving to strengthen it. —“ Auckland Star.” Apprenticeship Problems. A gleam of light has now appeared in the sombre outlook for boys seeking apprenticeships in skilled trades. Conditions in Auckland arc • shown to be exactly similar ot those described yesterday in southern centres severable hundreds of applications for employment and no response from employers. The existing legislation and thq machinery of its administration are apparently incapable of solving this deadlock, for, in spite qf Ministerial and departmental assurances of the system’s efficacy, it is apparent that practical difficulties have arisen from which the scheme does not offer any i escape. There is further evidence of indifference on the part of employers, but that cannot be the whole explanation of the situation-. In these circumstances, the only sensible course is to assemble representatives-of the skilled trades competent to analyse the diflicul ties in the light of practical knowledge and experience. That is being done. On the suggestion of the Building Trades Committe, a conference of all the apprenticeship committees of the Auckland district is being arranged by the Auckland officers of the Labour Department. It rs to be hoped that this consultation will be held as quickly as possible.—"X.Z. Herald.” Auckland. Family Allowance. By this ime, probablv, most people have forgotten about the Family Allowance Act, which was passed last session. It is a modest attempt to relieve the burden on the class that has been most seriously affected by the rise in the cost of living -the family subsisting on the baste wage Some critics have suggested that the amount, of two shilling a week per child in excess'of two children will hardly be considered worth collecting. We believe, however, that in many families this two shillings will be a very welcome addition td a pinched purse. Procedure will be simple. The Department of Pensions will be utilised. The Minister has given his assurance that the scheme will be administered on liberal lines, no attempt being made to whittle away the benefits set down in the Act. The working of the Act will be awaited with much interest by all students of economics and politics.—Auckland ’Star.” i