FARM TRADING

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1929, Page 3

FARM TRADING

FDR N.Z. ROYS. (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, -Sept. 4. An important decision was reached by the Cabinet at its meeting to-day with reference to the training of New Zealand boys in farm work. After the meeting the Prime Minister stated that during the past two or three years there had been a considerable difficulty in obtaining suitable occupations for New Zealand bovs on leaving school. In order to alleviate the conditions existing, the Government had decided- to inaugurate a scheme for N.Z. boys to he trained as farmers. The scheme would be under the direction of the Under Secretary of Immigration, and it would be on somewhat similar lines to the scheme which had been in operation during the past four years for public and secondary school boys from the United Kingdom. In order to make a success of the scheme, he said, it must be understood that the applicants were only to be those whose inclinations were to follow farming pursuits, and whose, parents were prepared to assist where possible. The principal conditions controlling the scheme wore:—

(1) The boys who are accepted must not, as a general rule, he jundei lo years of age. (2) They will he guaranteed a minimum commencing wage of 10s per week for the first three months, and 15s per week for the second three months, together with board and lodging. The rate of increase in wages after that period will depend entirely on the boy himself. (3) Lads will not be indentured, unless by mutual agreement between the farmer and the parents for a period of six months’ employment.

“It will be possible for successful trainees under this scheme, on completion of their training period, to take advantage of the provisions of the proposed land settlement legisla tion end the amendments of the land laws to he brought down this session,” added Sir Joseph. “The Immigration Department will he prepared to receive applications from both farmers and boys.”