APPRENTICES.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1226, 8 May 1880, Page 3

APPRENTICES.

The neatness of almost any piece of workmanship, even in these clays — when machinery has taken the place of manual labor to a large extent — depends on the skill of workmen. As a matter of course, therefore it is patent that great care should be taken in training apprentices to execute the work of whatever trade they are engaged in in a neat and workmanlike manner. If this be not done work will not be turned out hereafter even as well as it is done now, and we shall have the dubious pleasure of reflecting on our own negligence. A lad on entering his apprenticeship should think well, and should be aided by his parents in considering whether he is acting with judgment, and has any real liking for the trade he chooses. In many cases the taste of the lad is not taken into consideration, and he is " shoved " into a trade by means of influence, which he has neither the ability or taste to become proficient in. When a lad has chosen a certain trade he should exert all his energies in becoming an adept in it. not only for the benefit of his employer but for the great advantage he is gaining — an advantage which in after life will put him on a good footing, and enable him to earn both good wages, and the reputation of being a skilled artisan, and consequently of use to the Colony. For every man who is a good workman is acceptable, in any place on the face of the globe. The way apprentices are instnicted in a good many trades, is very mistaken, and is not calculated to make them good workmen, when their bondage is at an end. .The boys are put into an office, and allowed, as a mile, to do as they like. If they have a real wish to make themselves efficient, they have themselves to look to, as their employer's foreman will be disinclined to bestow much attention on them. In consequence, they learn to do their work in a slovenly style, and so far from improving on the work done before their time, they turn it out in a still more disreputable way, and in such a manner as to throw discredit on the shop from which the work is turned out. Masters, foremen, and others having the duty of teaching the forthcoming workmen should do everything possible, as far as lies in their power, to teach their young helpmates the proper way to turn out a job in a creditable manner. In doing so they do benefit to their apprentices, who will entertain greater respect for them ; they will do good to the colony, because they will TO the means of turning out good and useful citizens ; and they will do good to themselves, through the knowledge that they will have assisted their fellow-creatures, in a way which is a credit to themselves. Of course, a great deal depends on the youngster, and the greater the pains he takes in learning his trade, the greater emolument will he derive from it. In these days a man must be a skilled workman in order to "make his mark" at all lastingly.

Lads should remember that they are not placed to learn a trade for fun, but that the way they conduct themselves in business will result either in a prosperous . or penurious future. Whdn they are apprenticed to a trade, they do not go merely to pass the time, but to enable them to support themselves, and not be dependant on their relations. Let every youug apprentice look at the matter from a patriotic point of view, and consider that he is not only benefitting himself in paying attention to his work, but he is fitting himself to take an honourable position as citizen, and by his industry is adding to his country's greatness, In New Zealand this is much more to be noticed than in the old country, as here every one — even in the meanest position of society — is aiding in building up the grand national fabric. Everyone adds in some way indirectly or directly to the well being of the colony. If they do not it is a regrettable fact, because the object of everyone should be the advancement of the colony and the increasing of the benefits of its inhabitants. In helping others we help ourselves, and the grand object of everyone, apprentices and all, should be the welfare of our hearths and homes, — Alpha, TJiavies Star.

Thk new Pure Cash System now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a. benefit lo the public. It has been a great success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods arc marked low to ensure a. rapid sale must be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery, millinary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bear a portion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are detirmined to give the pure cash system a fair trial ; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerative prices, and a discount of five p_er cent, will be, allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is new and cheaply bought. An inspection is invited.— Garlick and Cranwell, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queenstreet, Auckland.