ARE WE FACING EXTERMINATION?

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21908, 8 October 1936, Page 16

ARE WE FACING EXTERMINATION?

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ?8E33. Sir, —The question, “Are we facing extermination” applies to New Zealand, and the date may not be so very far distant, possibly within the lives of our younger citizens. This is not an exaggerated statement, but a conclusion to which everyone must come who takes the trouble to think. It has been calculated that by 1945 the population of New Zealand will have ceased to increase. What is the logical outcome? I think the future of ,our country can be likened to an empty lake alongside an overflowing one. the result of which is inevitable, unless we raise our levei; We will have to decide soon whether to act quickly or be submerged. Are we going to let our race gradually die out, and be finally exterminated? If so, then we deserve to perish, for we have the remedy in our own hands. The solution of the problem does not lie in armaments or immigration, both very necessary things, but inadequate. England is beginning to worry about her own decline in population. The only logical and common-sense line of action is State control of birth control. This, 'unfortunately, is a subject not open much for discussion, and is usually left out as though it was unimportant, whereas it is the only factor of real importance. The scheme is not only a very desirable one from all standpoints, but is one that presents no insurmountable difficulties if this country has the will to tackle it. If we delay too long it will be too late. I hope that this letter will stimulate some thought and help to promote a growing realisation of the extreme urgency of the need for action. — Yours, etc.. CITIZEN. October 7, 1936.