GROWTH OF N.Z. POPULATION

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27637, 19 April 1955, Page 12

GROWTH OF N.Z. POPULATION

Mr Holland Speaks At Hamilton “CHALLENGE MUST BE MET”

(New Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, April 18. “Statisticians say that 3,000,000 people will be in New Zealand within 20 years, and this will create unprecedented problems,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) at the opening of the conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce at Hamilton tonight. “Technology is changing faster than at any other time in history, and this growth, which is a challenge to Government and private enterprise alike, must be met. “I believe in our present system of service to the people with profits, as it stimulates effort and efficiency, and I am sure the challenge will be met by private enterprise.” Mr Holland said that it was inescapable that prosperity demanded controls. One of the main problems was the shortage of capital, as so much was spent on social services, with, consequently, high taxation, that there was not much left to plough back into industry for expansion. The State, local bodies, and private enterprise needed capital, manpower, and materials, many of the materials required having to be imported. But essentials had to come first. Imports were limited by earnings. At the moment, said Mr Holland, there were 10 men for 11 jobs, and private firms were outbidding each other for labour. This was a big inflationary influence, and although noone liked controls of building and credit, in the circumstances there were few who would abolish them. Immigration was only partly the answer. Building controls were necessary to see that what New Zealand did have was used to the best advantage. “The Government’s basic policy,” sais Mr Holland, “is to improve living standards for everyone and increase the opportunities for youth. This means the development of the spirit of self-reliance, independence, enterprise. and adventure.” The Government also aimed at full, useful employment. and care for the needy. Mr Holland said that there was some anxiety about dairy products, margarine, and pig meats, but meat and wool seemed steady and had found their own levels. Forest wealth would mean a saving of more than 16,000,000 dollars and would earn as yet unassessed sterling. This new enterprise promised tc be a great success, and was a tribute to the State and private enterprise working in conjunction and harmony. Problems of 1975 The Prime Minister said that the implications of a 3,000,000 population in 20 years would have to be grasped. It meant an increase in school rolls of some 127,000 by 1960, requiring 5500 new classrooms. “It is fundamental with our government that proper and adequate training of our children must rank as one of the highest duties of any administration,” he said. “But there is a problem that holds a compelling place in our minds at present: we are seriously short of teachers, in spite of all we have done to recruit them.” Mr Ho’land said that 3400 additional hospital beds would be required by 1963, and alectricity was a major problem. Its demand had trebled in the last 20 years, and in the next 20 years the presen expansion would mean a 300 per ce. t. increase. This meant 20 new Karap -os and 12 new Roxburghs. More than £70,000,000 would be required for county and city roads. “As far I can see, New Zealand will always depend on the income earned from farm products,” said the Prime Minister. “The Government will concentrate on bringing as much land into production as possible, and cio everything in its power to increase production over all phases of activity.”