WORKLESS YOUTH

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 258, 23 June 1932, Page 5

WORKLESS YOUTH

(Press Assn.-

private persons and firms must co-ordinate to solve problem STATEMENT BY MR. COATES

— By Telegraph— Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates issued a statement to-day in regard to the juvenile unemployment problem. He says that it is true that in administering the unemployment fund the Government and the Unemployment Board have taken the view that first in order of urgency are the needs of the adult who is the family breadwinner, and true too that. in dealing with unemployment, they look largely to private local groups of patriotic individuals, rather than to granting of direct Government relief. But there is no justification for the assertion that the Government and the board are unmindful of the gravity of the position. Co-ordination He pays tribute to, and expresses the Government's appreciation of the efforts that have been made by the churches, the Y.M.C.A., the Y.W.C.A. and voluntary organisations in dealing with the problem. If the efforts of these bodies could be further coordinated their value would be enhanced, and the Government, he thinks, could properly take part in ensuring that co-ordination. Mr. Coates says the prolonging of the school course is a means to be lielped by arranging for free places at the tecbnical and secondary scbools to be open to senior pupils whose free places would normally have expired. He had himself made representations to the Minister of Education on this matter and he was sympathetic and helpful. The Puhlic Service During the past two years the recruitment of juniors to the Government service had been almost completely suspended, consequently there is a considerable waiting list of qualified applicants for appointment. To encourage these to improve their status and not merely wait, the Public Service Commissioner will give preference in future appointments to those who, in addition to their ordinary qualifications, have certificates of success in university subjects, shorthand and typewriting, and commercial subjects. The minimum age of entry to tbe service has been raised. As a further contribution to assisting the position, apart from ordinary apprenticeships there is scope for placing youths and girls in prohationary and unpaid positions, where they could at least have some interqst and later some prospect of employment, and he appeals to employers to consider how far they can help. Members To Assist "ITaving regard to the importance of the subject," said Mr. Coates, "the Government has agreed to my proposal that two members of Parliament, Mr. S. G. Smith, formerly Minister in Charge of Unemployment, and Mr A. E. Ansell, sbould be invited to act with and on behalf of the Government in matters relating to juvenile unemployment. Messrs Smith and Ansell have willingly agreed to act in an honorary capacity. Mr. Smith in the North Island and Mr. Ansell m the South. They will confer with local organisations, and advise and assist in every way possible. They wi keep the Minister closely inf ormed o± the position, and give their assistance to the Government as w-ell as_ to those organisations now interesting themselves in the problem."