HIGH BIRTH RATE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22618, 22 April 1948, Page 6

HIGH BIRTH RATE

3RD YEAR RUNNING DECLINE IN DEATHS GROWTH OF POPULATION (S.R.) WELLINGTON, April 22A high birth rate, coupled with a low death rate, are factors mainly responsible for New Zealand's population during 1957 showing an Increase of fid, 685, bringing the total to 1,761,399. Immigration has begun to improve, and 8105 persons arrived during the year to take up permanent residence. However, the net gain was just over 2000, because the official figures show that departures included 6051 New Zealand residents departing permanently. For the third year in succession, high birth rates have been recorded, the Government Statistician describing as remarkable the annual increase since 1943. Last year's births exceeded the previous high total by 2945, or 7 per cent. "Two factors may be mentioned as contributing towards the recent upward trend." states the official report. "They are the high marriage rate and the extension of family benefits under the Social Security Act.” Rise in Manage Rate

The steep rise in the marriage rate from 1944 to 1946 is. it is stated, a major factor in the rising birth rate, but the report adds:— "If this is the case, then a temporary check in the birth rate may be expected during 1943 in view of the drop of over 2000 in the number of marriages registered in 1917 compared with the previous year.” For the second year in succession, the death rate last year showed a decline, and the rate recorded for 19-17 of 9.33 per 1000 of mean population (excluding Maoris) is the lowest recorded since 1940. . It is considered that the absence ol any widespread fatal epidemic, and an exceptionally low infant-mortality rate are probably the two major factors responsible for keeping down the death rate. Discussing the position from an international angle, the Government Statistician mentions that for many years New Zealand had pride of place for the lowest death rate in the world, but in the 1942-45 period Australia. Denmark, Sweden and the United States experienced lower death rates at some time during those years. The conclusion is that New Zealand is no longer a young country so far as the age constitution of its population is concerned and therefore its death rate will tend to a level more in keeping with the death rates in other advanced communities.