New Britain herald., 1930-08-27
YOUNG BO07BLACKS
 HELPING FAMILIES
Many Aid J0blesS Fathers to
 Keep Homes Going

Human nature, pressed to an en- ergency develops new resources, as is indicated by the youth of New Britain. Young Americans. whose parents emigrated from lands across the sea, have not been slow to real ize the opportunities offered here when dire necessity calls for aid
 When working conditions slowed up all over the country wages de- clined Heads of families found their l incomes .curtailed and charity boards and welfare associations throughout the country were besieged with calls for help.
 In New Britain, in families where help was needed, about 25 or more young men, ranging all the way from 10 to 14 years of age. started ] out to help replensh the family cup | board.
 They could not get jobs as errand boys because no one was hiring new boys and a few old ones were being laid off. Selling newspapers was out of the question because newsboys were holding onto their routes and all customers were taken care of
 They did the next best thing. With homemade boxes, a brush, few rags and about 30 cents worth Of shining shoes. For some it paid we'll, but not for others
 Professionals" Object
 Professional bootblack stands that charge 10 cents per shine objected. They arose in their wrath and howl ed to the powers that be. They pooled their interests and engaged lawyers to have the boys ruled off the streets. They appealed to the con- mon council.
 Despite the fact that the boys sometimes become more or less a source of annoyance, that they pes ter busy men and in fact act like boys most of the time, sympathy was with them. They made friends with the policemen and councilmen. They shined shoes for five cents. They carry their shops on their back, they pay no rent, they have no overhead. The small amount pro- portionately that they pay for ma terials is all the investment they have. They take their money home. At least they say they do.
 One boy has four brothers and a sister. His father works every other week. The boy earns S2 week shining shoes and gives the money to his mother
 Another boy is one of family of five. His father is out of work He earns 75 cents week shining shoes. He gives his money to his parents.
 A 13-year- old boy lives in an in dustrious family, Both parents work. Their combined earning capacity is not large but the appetites of five children are. The boy earns between B and s4 a week shining shoes.
 Another boys father works three days a week. The boy brings in s1.50 a week he earns shining shoes.
 With a family of five and the father out of work, another boys total earnings in shining shoes of B are the sole income with the possible exception of help from the city.
 One boys mother is dead. He earns SIPS a week and helps his father support three other children.
 A whole page might be written about another boy, He is 11-years- old. His father works three days a week. There are seven in the family and no one else is working. Asked how much he earns shining shoes he said, I'm just starting. l don't know yet"
 Six dollars a week seems to be the highest earning capacity of any of the boys. A 10-year- old boy earns this sum. helping support family of five. His father works three days each week
 Another 1O-year-od boy earns s2.50 a week. His father is dead and he has a stepfather who has no job. Two sisters work and help support nine in a family, Four dollars a week helps sup port family of five in the case of another boy, whose father works four days a week.
 The boys congregate at the corner of Church and Main streets which, they say, is the best corner for bus mess. They are found there every day but on Saturday and holidays their numbers are augmented by many others
 SHIPPING RECEIVER NAMED