The Waipukurau Press. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1932. NEW LEISURED CLASS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 117, 12 May 1932, Page 4

The Waipukurau Press. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1932. NEW LEISURED CLASS

“There is excitement enough in these days for the boy without a job to make his long holiday most attrac-

tive, for the street amusements are admirably stage-mana'ged to suit his youthful spirit,” observes the Christchurch Star,” aprpos a problem which is engaging the minds of many thoughtful citizens. “Apart from the delight of release from school discipline, and the mild pleasure of watching others work, there is always the prospect of a demonstration of some sort to give an added piquancy to the joys of loafing. It is a debonair existence, a cheerful drift into the ranks of the gentlemen of leisure who feed the ranks of the discontented. But it is this pleasant pastime of having no occupation that the Y.M.C.A., in its present campaign, is trying to save boys of post-school age from. It is so lamentably easy for a boy to drift into an ambitionless why-worry attitude, to the permanent harm of his character and the, eventual discredit of the community. Just at this age of energy the boy needs, more than anything, the satisfaction of a complete day's work, and the discipline of habit-forming healthful routine, and any effort on the part of organisations in the community to combat this growing passivity should have the. whole-hearted support Of all citizens.” We are strongly of the opinion that the time is opportune for the launching of a ’.well-defined State scheme of farm training for lads, and the note with interest the effort being made in Hastings to cater for the unemployed boys in this connection. The programme of farm instruction will be under the control of Mr. J. H. Absolom, who has kindly offered his services, and is to be. conducted on a Scout troop basis, with not more than 30 lads in the camp. The boys will receive a full training in Scout principles and activities. This training will be under the supervision of a

competent scoutmaster. The services of qualified people will be secured to give the boys lectures on the different branches of farming, such as poultry, dairy, fruit, agriculture, etc. Talks on any other subjects which are considered to be of interest to the boys will be given. The boys will form a Scout troop so that the whole scheme will be run on Scout lines, and thrift and self-support will be encouraged in every way. A vegetable garden will be maintained by the boys whereby they will receive instruction in this pursuit. A poultry yard will also be run and the boys instructed in poultry-keeping. They will have their own cows, and it is hoped to secure a qualified man to

give the boys a series of lectures on this branch of farming. Tree-fell-ing, logging and splitting and general axemanship will form part of the 'training both of farming and scouting. Care of horses, dogs, sheep and other farm stock will be taught. Explanations of farm machinery will be given. The general farm routine will be put before them both by lectures and practical demonstration. This would be done by the boys accompanying the men employed on the surrounding farms. Healthy recreation would be. given by setting aside time for such sports as cricket and football, scouting instruction and games, camping, nature study, hobbies, handcrafts and country dancing, etc. Cooking, mending, darning, etc., w T ill all be undertaken by the boys and instruction given. This

branch will no doubt be taken by members of the Women's Institute. It is recognised that the success of the scheme depends very largely upon the scoutmaster in charge. Efforts are therefore being made to secure the services of Mr. P. Slingsby, who is at present in England. Mr: Slingsby was a member of the staff at Hereworth School, Havelock, where he had a most successful Scout troop. The district commissioner for Scouts and two competent scoutmasters already reside in Rissington, so this side of the training will be well provided for. The boys’ welfare will be studied in every way and good, plain comfort without extravagance provided.