SMALLER FAMILIES

Grey River Argus, 6 August 1937, Page 8

SMALLER FAMILIES

ECONOMIC STRESS SYDNEY, July 27. “The existing evil economic environment, the one cause of limitation of families, is being suffered by people who have had no hand in its causation and no possible means of controlling it,” declared Mr. George Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Dalwood Health Home, in the course of an address to members of the Jewish Council of Women and their friends in the grounds at Dalwood yesterday. Quoting recent remarks by Prof. Harvey Sutton, that in 1942 deaths would equal births in Australia and that after that Australia would rapidly decline, Mr. Fitzpatrick again stressed that the decline in the birthrate was alarming. There mignt be various theories as to the cause, but everyone must admit that the appalling wastage of human life among babies and mothers must be stopped. It was idle to talk of expending great sums in defence while people lacked sustenance. It was recognised that a “C 3 nation was reveloping No more urgent problem presented itself for solution. Dr. Fanny Reading, president of the Jewish Council, slated that the women haR agreed to raise and pay into the home £lOO before the end of August. In addition, those present enthusiastically adopted the suggestion of Mrs. Lou Zions, that 100 Jewish women should each subscribe £1 each year for the fund. A substantial, 1 sum was immediately promised. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that there was real distress in the community at present. Rev. Canon Hammond and Rev. George Cowie could testify to the pitiable poverty which existed despite “boom times.” Mr. M. O’Sullivan, M.L.A., hon secretary of the Food for Babies Fund, had reported at the last meeting that he had submitted eight cases, all accompanied by medical certificates, urging assistance. In seven of the eight cases, Government help had been denied although the medical men said it was essential. Relief in these rejected! cases had been promised by the Food for Babies Fund.