YOUTH FROM THE SCHOOLS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 17, 12 September 1931, Page 2

YOUTH FROM THE SCHOOLS

According to the Education Report, there were several interesting changes in the destination of pupils who left school last year. More of the girls stayed at home instead of entering outside occupations, and more of the boys entered farming. The explanation of the increase in home-staying among girls is not far to seek. Mothers, unable to pay for domestic help, have kept their daughters at home, and daughters who might otherwise have been employed outside have been unable to find positions. In some ways, though not wholly, this change is for the good. The War, with its temporary shortage of male labour, led to many girls engaging in occupations when their services would probably have been welcome at home. A reversion to home-staying will mean that the girls will have less money to spend, but the lot of their mothers will be eased. . The report suggests that the increase in the number of boys entering farming pursuits is due to parents enlisting the aid of their sons at an earlier age than they would otherwise do if their financial position would permit them to engage outside help. This is less gratifying. than if there were a voluntary choice of f'arm work. But it shows, at least, that renewed attention is being given to farming as a career. Entry of boys into farming for any reason at present is a good sign. Prospects now may not appear bright, but when the depression has rid primary production of some of its overload of charges, there should be openings on the land for many boys. If they are in training now they will be able to use the opportunities when prospects brighten.