NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT TRAINING SHIP FOR BOYS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8384, 19 March 1907, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT TRAINING SHIP FOR BOYS.

(To the Editor). "Sir,—Enclosed please find a copy of the regulations governing the entry of boys to the Government training' ship. I shall be glad if you would diffuse this information as much as possible,through the columns of your valuable paper, as there are many people who are located in out-of-the-way places and are unable to obtain much information regarding this matter. I have many applications from town districts, and imagine that perhaps people who live in the back-blocks are not in a position to learn much about it, and there are many sturdy up-country lads who would willingly apply if they knew the particulars. The yearning for a sea life still exists amongst our lads as of, yore, and now the Government have undertaken to find the manner in which to proceed, the outlet is visible, and any lads may apply forthwith and obtain the necessary training to fit them for that purpose. I You will notice (vide regulations) that the Government are feeding, clothing, and instructing boysf in the sea-going profession, and, in addition, are providing them with a little pocket money. The Government also defray the costs 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 at midsummer and two weeks at midwinter. The kit to be allotted to the boys is a good substantial one, and every bo.y \vill|be well fitted, a. good Solid bill of -'fare' will be provided, and

plenty of it, and the boys will have the necessary amount of clothing allowed them for holiday purposes. This will be neatly packed in a strong "hold-all"specially made for that purpose. It is intended that the ship shall visit the various ports in the colony at suitable periods. The regulations enclosed relate to the present initial stage of the scheme, and may be much improved as the scheme progresses. The age limits as laid down by the regulations give the ages of entry at between 13£ years and 14i years. It is also stilted that the ages may be varied, at the discretion of the Minister. It is not generally known that the sea-going 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 in a comparatively short time. The fore—going inducements should, I think, prove very attractive to any 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. The first batch of boys have been selected by the Minister and will join the ship' very shortly. I shall be very pleased to reply to any enquiries from pei> sons desirous of placing their boys on the training ship.—l am, etc., G. HOOPER, Commander of the Arnokura.

(To the Editor). Sir, —Your reference in your subleader of to-day advising letter writers on the Asiatic question to keep to the point is, in my opinion, very well placed. It is quite true that some letter writers drift away ,into irrelevant matter instead of keeping their attention riveted on the main question. Why do the Europeans hate the Chinese? The reasons have been explained from the platform and in the Press of this colony times out of number, and it is quite unnecessary for me to go into details in this article. I should be very sorx*y if the Commonwealth of Australia is in any. way hampered in dealing with the Asiatic question, but it is well-known that there are certain reservations in the Constitution Acts. However, we have got very wide powers in dealing with Asiatics apart altogether from the treaties of the Home Land with Asiatic powers. I quite agree with you in the matter of national defence, and I think the time is not far distant when we will require to look carefully into the matter of raising the Naval subsidy, and as you say, develop a sound system of national defence.—l am, etc., JOHN CAMERON. Masterton, March 18th, 1907.