MEN OF TOMORROW

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22467, 30 September 1944, Page 8

MEN OF TOMORROW

(To the Editor) Sir, —One of the most popular mental peace occupations of the day is a contemplation of this somewhat nebulous, ill-defined thing called the New Order. No one is quite sure upon what philosophy it will be founded, from what intellectual source, post-war statesmen will derive their inspiration. Maybe we will drift along, the playthings of chance and circumstance rather than far-sighted crusaders of social justice and opportunity for all. Whatever may be the shape of things to come, our society is duty bound to the men of tomorrow. They are the inheritors, the guardians of all that New Zealand—the home of the Anzac—means. If our aim is to be “Let us build New Zealand” then we. must resolve that the construction be secured upon solid and lasting foundations. Today’s boys are as sound and basically able as their fathers. If we expect them to be loyal and industrious citizens we must show them the goal. We must provide them with the inspiration, the tools, the materials and the ideal. It would be a let down to see post-war youth standing by, disconsolately sagging at the shoulders, waiting for chance, a torch of enlightenment and opportunity. If we are to keep our boys off the streets and give them an opportunity to become useful citizens, occupying their spare hours in constructive pursuits, then those in high place must provide the facilities and the incentive.

My appeal, then, is for free workshops and studios to be made available to enable the youth of the land to become more efficient citizens. Let us see to it that the mechanical and artistic potential of the nation be encouraged and developed for New Zealand’s good. Perhaps the proposition can be more conveniently summarised in tabloid form:—

(1) The municipal authorities in association with the Government set up workshops and studios wherein youths from the age of 14 to 20 years of age may be permitted to pursue a hobby without any charge and that they be permitted to keep the articles made.

(2) That such workshops and Ludios be under the supervision of ompetent part-time instructors and

* Saturday afternoons. This is a somewhat loose and rough that they be open every evening and explanation of the proposition which I have in mind, yet it will serve to convey the idea. When the war broke out and the barbarian was.at our door, die boys of the Army, Navy and Air Force responded magnificently. We had to have trained personnel to match lowly cunning and sinister science with superior skill and determination. They had to learn, and learn fast. Academic methods were cast aside in favour of more speedy and practical methods. Almost overnight, the boys of our armed forces were manning trucks, tanks, intricate guns and their attendant paraphernalia, ships, planes, radio and radio gear, hospitals and laboratories. Under the pressing exigencies of war we discovered a new energy. It is a thrilling thought to know that our youth, with its abounding vitality and initiative, dragged us from the danger of our own folly and saved us. Therein lies the example and the inspiration to those in high places. The men of tomorrow must be given their chance. The mass energy of ability and eagerness must be given its opportunity to help build New Zealand —it must be canalised into the constructive purposes of peace. How better to do this than by opening free workshops and studios for constructive, pleasurable pursuits and education? Some such plan as this is the blueprint for tomorrow. We cannot afford to frustrate healthy desire and ambition by wordy assurance and paper pellets. Those in positions of power and responsibility should act immediately, for theirs is a responsibility which cannot lightly be put aside. My appeal is for something to be done so that our .boys may be given guidance and elbow room in the plans and scheme of things of tomorrow. Such must result in a greater New Zealand.— I am, etc., A. IRVINE.