BASIC WAGE AT 21

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 185, 6 August 1936, Page 9

BASIC WAGE AT 21

EFFECT ON YOUTH EMPLOYMENT CONCERN AMONGST TEACHERS [Per Press Association] NELSON, Aug. 5. Concern amongst the teaching profession as to the probable effect of the application o'f the basic wage at the age of 21 years on the youth emthe principal of Nelson College (Mr. the principal of Nelson Colelge (Mr. H. V. Searle) in his monthly report to the Council of Governors. “Although the demand for boys in some of the centres exceeds the supply,” said Mr. Searle, “there are as yet in Nelson no indications of an abnormal number of boys leaving school for employment at an early age. Of 54 boys who have left during the year only three are third-form boys. At the same time, there is some concern amongst the teaching profession as to the probable effect of the application of the basic wage at 21 on the youth employment problem. It is thought in some quarters that this will result in the employment of boys at an earlier age and the consequent lowering of the general standard of education of New Zealand youth. If the benefits of the basic wage, 40-hour week and increased leisure are obtained at the expense of youth education it seems that some further legislation such as the raising of the school-leaving age will be necessary.” It was resolved that the following remit be prepared for the forthcoming conference of the technical school associations: “That the Council of Governors of Nelson College views with concern the effects of the basic wage at 21 on the prospects for senior boys obtaining positions.