SERIOUS PLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1933, Page 2

SERIOUS PLIGHT

MEN J-ICIXO REPLACED BY BOYS

swelling the unemployed

CHEISTCHLIE CH, April 0

That nion are being replaced by boys in numerous business establishments, and that the. position created is one which demands immediate action by the community, is an allegation made by Trades Hall representatives on Apprenticeship Committees in Christchurch.

Tiie representatives- declare that, with all due. respect to those who were making endeavours ostensibly in the interests of the community and of the youth of the , country, particularly to obtain suitable employment, they would point out that the matter called hr very broad and unselfish action. ■‘lf the present line of thought hold by •nine members ot the .Boys Employment Committee is given effect' to,” they add, “a position will surely arise that will require that a commission ot IH'X), which inquired into the sweating conditions under which juveniles as well; as adults were being employed. The result of that commissions findings was the establishment of the factories Act and the Arbitration Act.

“In numerous establishments, continues the statement, “boys atio •vcutlis arc already being employed 1 ih far greater numbers in proportion to adults than in normal times. .Lf the oarents of our boys, and every responsible members of our community took this question really seriously, instead of from the point of view of pecuniary gain, all would be demanding of the Government that something he done to gain'employment both for the boy and the boy’s lather as well. In numbers of cases it is evident that the son is employed in preference to the father, because of,the wages cost.