TOOLS FOR THE BOYS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2230, 23 October 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

TOOLS FOR THE BOYS.

By all means (says an American contemporary) provide the boya on the farm with tools by which they can learn the rudiments, at least, of the carpenter's trade. Every farmer ought to be so familiar with the use of the saw, and square, and plane, thit he can do ordinary "jobs" for himself, and not bo obliged to let them go undone or call in the services of a professional. If fathers would provide tools and allow the boys to uso them, and not only allow but encourage tho use of them, most boys would soon become quite proficient in the use of them. If this were done a considerable sum of money might bo kept in the family, when there was a new barn, shed or other outbuilding to be built. It is not to be expected that every boy will be able to do fine work, but many boys would soon be able to do such work as ia required about barns and sheds. The reason why they are not is becanse they are not given a chance to become familiar with the use of the tools required in doing such work. Many farmers have nothing but a hammer and a saw. This is not as it should be. The jobs that the boys can do will soon save the farmer more than enough to pay for a good set of tools. If some one at home i 3 able to do such work the chances are that the buildings will be kept in repair, but if no one on the place is ' handy with tools,' the needed repairs will be neglected, and there will be consequent loss and the ultimate expenditure of a considerable sum of money when at last the farmer ' gets around ' to have the necessary repairs made. The outfit on the farm should include a set of blacksmith's tools. The boys will like to experiment with them, and experiment will soon lead to tolerable proficiency iv their use. It often saves a good deal of time and vexation if, when a breakdown occurs in a busy time, there is some one on the place able to mend a chain, or weld an iron. Give the boys tools to work with and it will amuse and oducato thorn, and you will find the outlay to be an exceedingly profitable investment.