UNEMPLOYED BOYS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 103, 25 January 1935, Page 12

UNEMPLOYED BOYS

Fewer on the Wellington Committee Roll

PENROSE CAMP SCHEME

The Wellington Boy Employment Committee has recommenced work for the year. At present there are slightly over 300 boys on the roll, representing a reduction when compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. The majority ot Hie lads registered are between Hie ages of 174 and 20, and there is very little immediate prospect of their obtaining any employment, in the city. With this in view, it is Hie desire of tlie committee to transfer the interest of as many of these boys as possible from Hie city to tlie-country, and the organising arrangements are being completed for the third Penrose Agricultural Training Camp, which will commence on February 11. Already a number of boyS'liave intimated their intention of undergoing this course, and provision is being made for successive groups of 25 boys. The period of intensive training will be one month. While the course will have excellent holiday features for the boys concerned, it is emphasised that agricultural training and vocational aspects will be paramount. Tlie Department of Agriculture, through the Director ot Agriculture, Dr. C. J. Reakes, has signified its intention of again assisting the project by providing lectures and demonstrations of special interest to the boys. The subjects of these lectures will include soils and manures, grasses and pastures, stock (cattle, sheep, horses and pigs), implements, woo! and poulFarni Made Available

The general secretary , of the Y.M.C.A.,, Mr. L. J. Greenberg, who will be responsible for the training course, recently visited Mastertou, and as it result of a conference with Hie trustees of the Wairarapa Training Farm, complete arrangements have been made for the conducting of the course. An excellent property of 700 acres is being made available. This farm site, about eight miles from Masterton, is replete with stock and implements,, and an efficient farm working staff will be available to assist the boys. Practical instruction will be given in the use, manipulation, and care of implements, hand ami machine milking, fencing, horse and team work, and sheep work. In addition Hie co-operation of nearby farmers lias been promised. Tlie boys will be excellently housed, and suitable provision will be made for cooking, recreation and sanitation. Tills course of training will be open to all boys 'within the Wellington province, and should prove of inestimable value Io boys desiring farm experience as a preparation for future work in the country. In addition, boys taking Hie course and proving successful will be given preference in tlie selection for farm positions which tlie committee lias available from time to time. The committee considers that there are distinct advantages to be obtained in providing a boy with a brief period of training prior to his placement on a farm. It lias been found that in Australia the advantages of the training scheme over placement direct iu rural employment are evident, as an opportunity is given to study Hie character, and select the type of lads who, it is considered, will most satisfactorily develop for rural employment. They are instructed in tlie elements of farm work, and become accustomed to the work before engaging in it as a livelihood. In addition, their physical development for the particular work involved is increased, and they also become accustomed to undertake a day’s work. They can be fitted to the jobs for which they are most suited, and gain a certain degree of proficiency in the work to be performed, and can command a. higher rate of wage than untrained lads. Another advantage i.s that the period of training enables any physical, mental, or other disabilities. which would militate against their successful employment, being detected. Beys and Youths Under 21. Tlie training course is restricted to boys and youths under 21 years of age, and to qualify for enrolment a boy must give evidence of good character and a desire to work in the country in the event of an opportunity offering. He must be iu reasonably good health, and must have the written consent of parent or guardian. Boys accepted for the camp who are unemployed and in needy circumstances wilt not be required to make any payment, their keep while participating in Hie course being provided from funds made available by the Unemployment Board. Suitable arrangements can bo made also for boys whose parents are able and willing to make a small contribution toward tlie keep of their boys while in training. Boys desiring to enrol for tlie course should apply immediately to the Y.M.C.A. It is pointed out that this intensive course of training is by no means in Hie nature of a relief camp, nor is it intended merely as a holiday. It is carried out by voluntary effort on behalf of the citizens of Wellington witli a view to assisting Wellington boys. Preference will lie given to boys according to their suitability, and in order of their date of application. Parents or boys interested may interview tlie general secretary of tlie Y.M.C.A., or, in his absence, Mr. 11. Palmer, who is acting as registrar for the course.