YOUNG PEOPLE'S PROBLEMS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 70, 24 March 1937, Page 8

YOUNG PEOPLE'S PROBLEMS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I have noticed recently the fact that publicity has been given to speeches upon the decrease in population in New Zealand, especially that of Mr. Barnard reported in the "Evening Post" on Friday night. ' It has been suggested that recourse should be had to immigration, but might I draw Mr. Barnard's attention to the fact that a simple and effective remedy lies in our own country. Many of our young people, owing to the economic conditions existing, are unable to marry young because a young man in New Zealand cannot earn enough to support a wife and family before he is twenty-eight years of age or, often over that age. In the Public Service young men of 24 and 25 years of age find it impossible to marry on the salaries they receive, because such salaries are based on the years of service and not on ability. Some young I people try to face life together by Iboth earning their share towards their home, but such homes have no place for children because of the necessity for the young wife working to help support the upkeep thereof. Our young people are quite willing to play their part to help their country, but they are not prepared to bring into the world children they are unable to support because of the economic conditions existing.—l am, etc.,

A YOUNG PERSON.