THE FALLING BIRTH-RATE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22465, 28 July 1938, Page 9

THE FALLING BIRTH-RATE

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, —“Mother of Four” wonders why mothers do not rise in indignation at the treatment given them. What is the use? We are in the minority; big families are rare; we are not represented anywhere. So far as I know, no member of Parliament has a large family, so why expect consideration from that quarter? We have no union, so what can we do? Why, there is only one thing left to do, urge your families not to make the same stupid mistake that you yourself have made, and have no family. When no children are coming along then and then only will the Government sit up and take notice. Obviously we have ourselves to blame. How ridiculous asking a man to pay unemployment tax, paying so much out of his wages to help keep our childless neighbours,' when wo have six children to keep. Father can put in all his spare time growing vegetables, mending boots, etc., while our neighbour can sit in his deck chair airing himself in the sun. One could continue in this strain for ever, but, as I say, what is the use? Nobody knows, nobody cares! Line your boys up to join the army to defend those who have always exploited you and your families. If parents were bettor considered invalid pensions would be unnecessary. Many unwanted children are born freaks and therefore invalids.—Yours, etc., SELF-CONDEMNED. July 26. 1938.