TECHNICAL COLLEGE BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 24242, 27 September 1940, Page 2

TECHNICAL COLLEGE BOARD

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT The responsibilities of the college in safeguarding the interests of those pupils starting work was emphasized by the principal, Mr C. A. Stewart, in his report to the monthly meeting of the Technical College Board last night. “Since the last meeting of the board the call for juniors for offices, workshops and other places of employment has continued to be insistent,” the report states. “We have two main difficulties to meet in this matter; first ,to find pupils desirous of starting work and fit to be recommended for the particular occupations; second, to protect the pupils from being tempted into jobs that offer little prospect of advancement or even of permanency. This second problem is particularly difficult at the present time when employers have to find temporary help during the absence of men on overseas service or in territorial training. At all times we have to beware of employers, fortunately few in this community, who consider their own interests, but have little regard for the rights and welfare of the juniors whom they engage. These are the employers who profit at the expense of boys and girls in need of work and not able to select work congenial and .with prospects. Too many such adolescents find themselves out of work when they become entitled to a second, third or fourth rise in wages; |

and they are then at the stage when further and more promising work is very difficult to secure They are liable to become unemployable, with little satisfaction in life and a grudge that makes them a dangerous element in the community.” It was decided to continue the prize giving this year. The principal recommended its continuance because he thought it was in the best interests of the pupils to do so. He considered, he said, that it would be the best thing to do, although some schools had discontinued file practice.