AN OVERDUE DEBT.

Wairarapa Age, 14 December 1935, Page 4

AN OVERDUE DEBT.

TRAINING OF YOUNG MEN AND LADS. VICTIMS OF THE DEPRESSION. “To-day an acute problem faces the community,” said the Principal of the Masterton Technical School (Mr. O. H. E. Yates), in his annual report last evening. “During the last six years much of the old apprenticeship system has broken down, and has left many young men, between the ages of 18 and 25, without a definite system of employment. What prospects in life have these men? The door for their entry , into the skilled trades is at present closed, as they are too old for apprenticeship. The time is long overdue ,fot a very careful investigation of this vital, pressing problem and, it must not be shelved. Every consideration must be shown to these young men and every encouragement given to them to enter industry. They must be given the opportunity to learn a trade and an opportunity to learn it quickly. Some system of apprenticeship in whieh the trainee would work part time and receive a definite short intensive Technical School course in his chosen trade, with a short period of indenture, must be considered. An adequate allowance of some kind must be made to him in order that he may not become discontented. A Government subsidy spent on these lines would be far cheaper and far more beneficial than paying an allowance to the unskilled unemployable man.”