Immigration policy

Press, 19 July 1989, Page 18

Immigration policy

Sir,—l fully support Sir Graham Latimer’s comments that we need an immigration policy to double New Zealand’s population in the next five years. A political slogan of the early thirties was “populate or perish.” Sixty years later the truth of that is very evident. Rogernomics is concerned about the excessive cost of running a country of 3.25 M. Simple economics says the cost per capita should be less if shared by. a greater number. We may be reluctant to share the privileges of our beautiful country, but under-population is a luxury we can no longer afford or expect to selfishly enjoy. By doubling or trebling our population new jobs would be created and unemployment could be proportionately less than the current demoralising high figure. Impetus would be given to all aspects of our economy by increased consumer demands. Better to consume within the country as much of the food and goods which we produce than to be dependent on the vagaries and manipulations of foreign importers. A larger population would also provide a broader base for a cultural and ethnical contribution to New Zealand as a nation. Why do our politicians not address this issue?—Yours, etc., COLIN C. EAST. July 7, 1989.