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Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1927, Page 2

Tim complaint is heard very often of late that there is a dearth ol apprentices for skilled trades, and the Government is seeking to amend the law as a means to overcome some of the present difficulties or barriers?. One cause of the shortage is the way the act hits at small communities, and thereby by the restrictive quota, reduces the opportunity for learningThis it is intended to try and remedy. In a speech in the House of Representatives on the subject of the Apprentices Bill, the Minister of Labour indicated that it might lie necessary in the future to establish trade schools in order to keep up the supply of apprentices for the skilled trades. To do this, lie explained, would involve a reconstruction of the existing technical school system. 'Fills open up a very big question, in which precipitate action would not be wise. It is admitted that an adequate supply ol skilled workers is a vital consideration It is admitted also, both on social and economic grounds, that this supply should lie drawn from the native-born population rather than from abroad. In

theory, says an exchange, the Apprentices Act should have solved the problem In its original form it lias failed to realise expectations, but the wider scope which in its amended form it will give the apprenticeship committees may produce better results. Weaknesses which experience of the working of the principal Act has revealed have now boon removed. The Alini.ster's reference to the future necessity for trade schools, however, indicates that lie docs not regard the present. facilities for increasing the supply of apprentices likely to be wholly effective unless supported bv a foundation of specialised instruction. To attempt this by a reconstruction of the existing technical school system would involve very careful study of the question from its

puroly educational aspect. II is ail established principle in modern educational practice Unit the true and only function of education is to equip the student with the qualities which will make him a good citizen, with also a foundation of trained intelligence, which, added to his special aptitudes, will enable him to become proficient in his accepted walk of liie. Education of itself will not make a good doctor, or a good lawyer, or a good carpenter, but a soundly educated man is likely to be a better doctor, lawyer, or carpenter than an ill-educated one. I' l’Oin this point of view it is important to inquire at what age the trade school student would bo admitted, and to what extent the general course of secondary education at present provided by the technical school curriculum would be affected by what one presumes would bo a more specialised course in craftsmanship should be soundly balanced, as much in the interests of the skilled trades as of good citizenship.