YOUTH WELFARE.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19913, 16 June 1936, Page 9

YOUTH WELFARE.

APPEAL To ROTARY. ADDRESS BY .\m P. E. S. LONG An appeal to Rotarians to take a practical interest. in youth welfare work was made by Mr F. E. 8. Long. secretary _of the Hamilton branch of the Y.M.C.A. in an address at the weekly luncheon of the Hamilton hotary Club yesterday. Mr Long stated that Rotarians were invited to interest themselves in the boy as one of the nation's’greatest as—sets. Each year this work was feat—ured by the celebration of Boys' Week. It was the aim of organisations giving attention to the welfare of youth to see that boys set out in life. with equal privileges. Mr Long illustrated his address with a chart de—picting various institutions which contributed to the welfare or the boy. The speaker stressed the necessity for good home life for the production of good citizens. It was frequently found that a difficult boy had come from an environment where he had been shown no lovc and whcrc no in—terest had been taken in his future. Mr Long stated that. ltotarians could‘ associate thcmseivcs with the work of the organisations which aimed at assisting youth. They could assist in the work of the schools. Night schools required the co-oparatlon _of business and professional men. “Rotarlans as business men.“ continued the speaker. “Can offer nsslst< once along vocational lines- to the boys and youths in their employ and can assist in placing them in industry." Mr Long also referred to other activities in which Rotarians could aid youth welfare. There was scope for‘ practical work in the field of athletics} and military training. .\iany Rotariana were connected with various athletic organisations and the Y.M.C.A. took an interest in youths in military camps. ‘ The speaker exhorted all me-mhersl to co-operate with the child welfare: workers. In over 12 years‘ association ‘ with the work of the department ho had seen innumerable cases where boys who had fallen through bad environment were given a chance of making good. The Big Brother .\lovement took special interest in the welfare of such boys. lie also rcferred to the. work of the churchcs, the scout! movement and other voluntary organisations which concerned themselvcs with making better ritizcns of boys. At the conclusion of his addrcss Mr Long was accorded a hearty vuic ot‘ thanks.