6

A.—7

Sedgwick scheme-in 1911, and of the Government scheme in 1914, and suggested that, as an experiment, one hundred boys might be selected in England and allotted to farmers in accordance with the procedure indicated in their memorandum. It will bo observed from a quotation from the annual report of the Immigration Department for 1915 that " The experiment of introducing boys with some farming experience at home for farm-work in New Zealand has proved successful, and the results justify further trials on a large scale. Hundreds of applications have been received by the Department from small farmers who require this class of labour, and as soon as it is possible to resume a more active immigration policy attention will bo given to the immigration of farm boys." (b.) Taranaki Chamber of Commerce. —Tentative proposals were submitted to us on behalf of this Chamber in New Plymouth with a view to the enrolment of public-school boys, to be placed with approved farmers of standing in the district. As a result of our discussion with the chairman of the immigration committee of that body, we were advised that a definite scheme would bo put forward to the Government Immigration Department in the hope of eventually arranging for the introduction of about one hundred boys. It was suggested that if the Imperial and Dominion Governments will provide assisted passages under the existing agreement the local committee will undertake to receive and place the boys with reliable farmers and take an interest in their subsequent general welfare. (c.) Christ's Hospital.-—The authorities of this institution, have made arrangements for a few boys to be received on Mr. Vernon Reid's farm in the North Auckland district. Unfortunately, it was not possible for the delegation to pay a visit to the farm. (d.) The New Zealand Shcef owners' Acknowledgment of Debt to British Seamen Fund.- —The trustees of this fund brought to the notice of the delegation a scheme which has been established for the purpose of training certain lads to become farmers on their own account in the Dominion. The scheme is of so generous a character and offers such advantages to the class of boy concerned that we set out its particulars as follows : — Lads are eligible between fourteen and sixteen years of age whose fathers, or those on whom they were dependent, served in His Majesty's Navy or in the British mercantile marine and died as a result of wounds or injuries sustained or illness contracted whilst engaged on service at sea during the war, or, if living, are suffering from wounds or injuries sustained or illness contracted whilst engaged on service at sea during the war. Youths over sixteen may also apply, and particularly those who have just completed, or are about to complete, their education in a secondary school. Good moral character, as well as sound health and physique, are essential qualifications. Parents or guardians must enter into an agreement placing the lads under full control of the trustees for four years or, in the case of lads over seventeen years of age, until the completion of their twenty-first year. An advisory committee in London will select the lads, who must be in a position to comply with the immigration regulations, each selection being subject to the final approval of the High Commissioner for New Zealand. A preliminary training for six months is to be provided on a farm in New Zealand, which has been especially equipped for the purpose. The lads will thereafter be indentured for three years to farmers. Board, lodging, clothing, and pocket-money will be mot out of the fund during the period of training, and suitable arrangements made for the education and care of indentured lads. The wages during indenture will be approximately 15s. per week for the first year, 20s. per week for the second year, and 255. per week for the third year, exclusive of board and lodging. Wages are not to be paid in full, but the lads will receive certain approved sums for pocket-money and clothing, the balance being placed in the bank in the name of the trustees and the lad concerned. Free passages are available under the assisted-passagc agreement with the New Zealand Government, and precautions are taken for the lad's care and discipline on the voyage. Each lad is expected to provide himself with an outfit, of which particulars will be supplied, the expenditure on such outfit, up to a maximum amount, being met bj' the fund. 14-. Children. —Free passages are granted to children accompanied by their parents under the assisted-passage agreement, but child migration is not directly provided for under any other form of State assistance. The Salvation Army have established a model farm school for children near Putaruru in North Auckland. A visit was paid to this institution, which consists of a well-equipped home with large open dormitories and all necessary accessories, a good school, and a separate building for a few older boys over fourteen years of ago. Temporary work is found for the latter upon the property until they can be placed in employment with approved, farmers. Of the eighty children at present on the farm, twenty had recently arrived from the United Kingdom. The school building and master's house arc the property of the Salvation Army, but the teachers are provided by the Education Department. The school is also attended by twenty pupils from the surrounding district. The farm has only been in existence about five years, but a good deal of the land has already been brought under pasture, and the farm operations offer a rudimentary training for the older boys. 15. Ex-service Officers and Men. —The actual experience of recent settlers affords the best guide for those who contemplate settlement on. the land in the future. Information from this point of view was obtained by personal interview with upwards of one hundred British settlers and about sixty returned soldiers.