THE CASE OF THE APPRENTICES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2613, 8 November 1915, Page 6

THE CASE OF THE APPRENTICES

STATEMENT BY MB. VEITOH, M.P. (fly TeleeraDl).—J're.sa Aasociatlon.l - Wanganui, November 6. Regarding the i'lime Minister's statement to keep the position open of men who have enlisted, Mr. Voitch, M.P., says it is correct as far as it applies to tho men generally, but not correct us regards apprentices, many of-whom are of military age, and anxious to enlist. Mr. Yeitch says he has seen a notification by the Department that if anv apprentices enlist their indentures will bo cancelled, but if they como back sound.they will he taken on as labourers, while if they' Tetum maimed they will not be taken on at all.

In answer to Mr. Yeitch, the Railway Department points out that an apprentice is indentured, to learn a trade, and ,the Department is bound to teach him his trade. The term of apprenticeship is five years, and tho term must be completed before the apprentice reaches the age of twenty-one years. Apprentices who desire to go to the front befor they reach the age of twenty-one, and who leave the service before the end of their term cannot afterwards be certified as tradesmen—a fact which will aifect the whole of their future career. ' Instead of being (tradesmen they .can only be taken on as labourers, find that fact lias been pointed out to every apprentice who has desired to enlist. The only desire of the Department is _ that every apprentice should realise hi» position.