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74
unemployment books of the lower age group (14 and 15
years), which were issued at the Bureau when the scheme
came into operation. The crediting of contributions in respect
of whole-time education as provided in the Act did not become
operative until May, 1935, and the effect of this new benefit
has not yet become noticeable. A few claims to Dependants'
Benefit were made by unemployed adults in respect of
juveniles between 14 and 16 years of age as provided by the
Act, but very little benefit was paid under this heading as
the juveniles' concerned were found employment almost immediately.
Such claims always related to boys and girls who
had just left school, and had not yet obtained their first jobs.
"The improved state of industry in the district was responsible
for the closing of the Junior Instruction Centre
during the year. The new Act gave the Ministry of Labour
power to require any unemployed juvenile to attend an
authorised course of instruction. Steps were taken by the
Committee to provide suitable accommodation, equipment and
staff at the old Marsh Street School, but the number of
registered unemployed juveniles was not sufficient to justify
the continuance of the Centre.
"One of the most important features of the new Act is
that concerning the notification by employers of the discharge
of insured juveniles. This is controlled by means of the
unemployment book, which should now be sent direct to the
Bureau by the employer when a juvenile is discharged.
"During the year the Education Committee has given much
consideration to the School Leaving Record Card, which is
prepared by the Head Teachers for each child who becomes
eligible to leave school, and is afterwards sent to the Juvenile
Employment Bureau. A new form of card has been introduced
which will assist the Vocational Guidance Officers,
when interviewing applicants for employment, to fit the child
to the right job. It will also help the officers to select the
right child for those employers who frequently give full
particulars of their requirements and leave the Bureau staff
to make a selection.
"The Juvenile Employment Officer and his deputy, the
Woman Vocational Guidance Officer, continue to visit the
schools each term to advise the School Leavers as to suitable
employment. Since the appointment of the Woman Vocational
Guidance Officer in March more time is now given to
this important work, and parents 'are invited to the Conferences.
Another extension of the work in this respect is