POPULATION

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28155, 19 December 1956, Page 11

POPULATION

Sir,—l think one of the features of New Zealand life, and notably Christchurch, that most impresses the visitor from overseas is the perambulators borne so proudly—rather like figureheads on galleons of old—on the forepart of buses, and, until recently, trams. A more intimate acquaintance with this city confirms the fact that these are no -empty symbols of fertility but are indeed regularly filled to overflowing with the lusty and vociferous pledges of matrimonial affection. It was recently stated that the city’s birth-rate for November

was lower than that for the corresponding period last year. Is a “recession” setting in and is Christchurch, City of the Plains, yet so nuptially predisposed, giving the world a lead in the limitation of its new-born millions, which, elsewhere at any rate, are far too numerous to be even “pram-borne.”—Yours, etc., M.T. December 18, 1956.

Sir, —Does the quotation sent by M. G. Davies apply to New Zealand, where toil is not exactly cheap and keeps the cost of living high? There are the traders who trouble about the banishment of truly rural life? With growth and expansion, where are the public bodies prepared to deal with problems accompanying less and less wholesome city skies, or those ready to apply modern knowledge to prevent a young city from becoming, with time, as foul as older capitals? There ignorance of scientific information regarding the protection of large populations may be claimed as the cause, not excuse. —Yours, etc., PREVENTION AND CURE. December 18, 1956.