IDLE BOYS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 178, 30 July 1932, Page 13 (Supplement)

IDLE BOYS

Archbishop Averill has made another appeal on behalf of unemployed boys. The churches recognise that the question is not merely one of economics, but that it vitally affects the character and moral tone of a large section of the community. As a result of the deputation that recently waited on it, the Government has agreed to the registration of unemployed boys. This is a necessary step, as until the extent of unemployment is known it will be impossible to frame adequate measures to meet it. The numbers have been estimated roughly at 20,000 Probably they are in excess of this figure, and in addition there will be numbers of boys leaving school at the end of the year for whom employment will have to be found. The Archbishop has rightly stressed the need of something big, with a truly representative body to back it up. Small schemes can do little good. There is urgent need for definite national action. The Declaration of Geneva was not meant to be merely a pious expression of opin ion; it was meant to be a call to action by the whole world in giving to every child the opportunity o earning its own living. We have signed that Declaration, and we must honour our signature. The Archbishop has suggested that fanners might bo subsidised or helped in some way, pro vided they take one or two boys. This will require Government assistance. So far the Government has done nothing in this direction; indeed, it has done little more than give facilities for registration and promise sympathetic consideration of the problems involved. r 4 ■ want definite help for practical schemes. It is not merely a fi’vs‘io’l "of the moment; the future is iivolved. The unemployed boy of to day becomes the unemployed adult of to-morrow. without any taste for work or any definite lino along which he may use his talents. He is in danger of becoming unemployable. A suggestion made by the Archbishop is one that has been in those columns, that the Hopu Hopu military camp should be utilised as a camp for youths, where thev might learn something about agriculture and do useful work, if onlv in growing vegetables Bovs take kindiv to camp life as a rule, and it would be healthy and dis ciplined. The churches are in a better position than anybody to estimate the moral deterioration caused by enforced idleness in the young, and their lead should bp followed.—Auckland Star.