SETTLEMENT ON THE LAND

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 26, 30 July 1937, Page 8

SETTLEMENT ON THE LAND

(To the Editor.) Sir.—lt has been said that a large population is needed to give a larger purchasing power in New Zealand! Quite true; but are the manufacturers and the present pouulalion of New Zealand to remain in the same old groove? Both are not satisfied? The manufacturers say they cannot sell what they would like to in quantity. There are so. many things they could and would do if they could get the purchasing power of the people. They would employ more young people, and be able, through the buying power of the people, to import more especially from Great Britain than at present. The people on the other hand do not want more people to come into the country; so what is to be done? So many men having far-seeing ideas have definitely said that more people are wanted in this country. It is quite evident that petty indifference by the majority of the people of New Zealand must change to something worth while. We in New Zealand are apt to think we are quite all right without any more intruders. We should think of doing some good for other folk. People are bent on getting all they can without letting a crumb of kindness fall to the lot of other deserving people, who are with longing eyes and hearts wanting a change and something better in this world. Are they going to deny any help to others? We have in New Zealand room for five more millions of people. It is to be hoped that within twelve months it will be announced by our present Government that an agreement has been established between New Zealand and Great Britain to send out from Britain fully 10,000 reliable, industrious, and deserving people. It can be so arranged that quite five thousand will be placed in the North and South Islands as prospective farmers. I am certain that especially up in the north of Auckland quite five thousand could be given land that would spell success. I have seen the -possibilities up there, for dairying and sheep, and other products. There is room for more people and the sooner they are* brought into this country the better it will be. We have in this country a birth-rate problem that is causing alarm, and giving a warning. A splendid letter written by Mr. • Chas. G. Bloore appeared in your correspondence column some two weeks ago. He stated that a closer settlement policy was the only solution. It would give plenty of employment and the prosperity of this fine little Dominion would be assured. —I am, etc., ■' ' W. F. CLARKE.