The Daily News TUESDAY, MARCH 5. NEW ZEALAND BOYS AND THE SEA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81918, 5 March 1907, Page 2

The Daily News TUESDAY, MARCH 5. NEW ZEALAND BOYS AND THE SEA.

We are in receipt of a copy of the regulations for the enrolment of bovs in .\cw Zealand 1 raining ships from the ollicer commanding the 1 raining ship, Anioktira. ('ommander Hooper the ollicer in question, in an accompanying note, says he has ninny applications from town districts, ami he imagines that perhaps people who live in the baekbloeks are not in a position to learn much about enrolment and the conditions of service, lie continues:

"There are many sturdy up country lads who would willingly apply if they knew the particulars. The yearning for a sea life still exists among our lads as of yore, aud now the Government have undertaken to find the manner in which to proceed, the outlet is visible, and any lads who have an inclination to follow the sea may apply forthwith aud obtain the necessary training to fit them for that purpose. on will notice that the Government. are feeding, cotliing. a lid instructing the boys in tile seago Jig profession, and, in addition, are providing them with a little pocket money. The Government also defray tho cost of the boys' passages to and from the ship, whether joining or leaving, or whether going on, or returning from holiday leave. Holiday leave is granted twice each year,'i.e., three weeks lit midsummer, and two weeks at m'dwinter. The kit to be allotted to Die boys will be a good sub.-tanlial one, anil every boy will be well fitted. A solid bill of fare will lie provided and plenty of it. The boys will have tint necessary amount of clothing allowed them for holiday purposes, f This will be neatly packed in a strong "holdall" apeeiahy made for that purpose. It is intended the ship shall visit the various of the Colony at suitable periods." These inducements should, he thinks, prove very attractive to the boys who have an inclination to follow the sea, as so many of our forefathers have done before us, and have contributed in no small way to the expanse of the Empire. Tile age limits as laid down by the regulations give the age's of entry at between 13% and 14'/, years, "it is also stated that the ages may be varied at the discretion of the Hon Minister in charge. It is not generally known that the seagoing profession is open to all and sundry, and there is absolutely nothing to hinder any ambitious boy from rising to the top of the tree iu a comparatively short time. The iirst batch of hoys have been selected by the Hon Minister and will join the' ship vcrv uhortlv.