MENACE OF IDLENESS

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18642, 21 May 1932, Page 5

MENACE OF IDLENESS

UNEMPLOYED YOUTH. SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM. NEW SCHOOL IN HAMILTON. With most trades and professions unable to absorb Lhe rapidly-increas-ing number of mug people leaving school, it is i v that some move must he made to protect them from the menace ol' unemployment. Months ol' forced idleness must ultimately destroy the incentive of youth and weaken the strength of character which school life creates. Practically every avenue of employment for youth is for the time being restricted, through the economic conditions, hut there is no appreciable decrease in the numbers who are leaving school each year. In Hamilton there are probably hundreds of boys and girls capable and well-fitted for many trades and professions, who cannot obtain work. All their years of study for these branches of Industry would appear to be wasted effort under the prevailing conditions, and with little prospect of a position before them it is safe to say that not a few are gradually losing the knowledge which they have gained. As a result within two or three years those boys and girls will be fit only for unskilled labour. The position of unemployed youth to-day is serious, and the problem should be treated as of extreme importance.

The urgent need for action has been recognised in Hamilton, and a move is afoot to establish what should provide an effective solution of the problem. Mr W. 11. Paul, secretary of the Waikato Winter Show Association, has given much thought to a scheme to embrace the tuition of many trades. Filling the Gap.

"There are many boys and girls who are unable to attend a school for manual training .either through expense or because they aro waiting for a job to eventuate,” said Mr Paul, in conversation with a Waikato Times representative to-day. ‘‘There is at present no establishment In Hamilton which can assist these young people so far as education is concerned, and my idea Is to fill this gap between the secondary schools and employment. There arc many skilled tradesmen and retired schoolmasters in the town who would assist in the running of the school which l hope to establish. It will he directed by local residents, and should, 1 am sure, effectively solve a big problem. No charge is to be made for the classes, which will embrace instruction in engineering, dairying, agriculture, woodwork, domestic science, plumbing, dressmaking, book-keeping, and shorthand, to mention a few of the subjects which can he catered for. A tentative syllabus has been prepared, and negotiations arc proceeding for tho acquisition of suitable teachers." Mr Paul mentioned that he hoped that the Winter Show buildings would lie made available for the classes after June. During their stay at the school every effort would be made to secure employment for (he students. In their own interests lie hoped that as many as possible would avail themselves of the opportunity to profitably occupy their leisure hours.