DEFENCE OF N.Z.

Grey River Argus, 30 July 1940, Page 8

DEFENCE OF N.Z.

NEED OF MORE PEOPLE Hon. R. Semple s View DRAIN AND IRRIGATE LANDS! [Per Press Association] CHRISTCHURCH, July 29. “There are people who th',uk tnai we have reached the limit in tha (development of our resources in New Zsaland; that w e should now accept a stalemate, and ‘stay put!’ It gives me the cold shivers to think oi tins insane, defeatist attitude.” dec.ared the Hon. R. Semple in an interview. “We have a huge country here, practically empty, and if we are not willing to develop it, some on e else will! We must have more production. and more population. The two must go hand in hand. I Know every inch of this country ,and I know real value from the point of view oi production. I sometimes feel dismayed when I hear people tall: about ceasing our activities in construction and production. This country is only now reaching the fringe of its possible development' Mr. Semple was speaking with special reference to the land dramage schemes at Ashburton and in the Lake Ellesmere district, both or which, h e hopes, will greatly increase the productivity of the province. “This is the kind of .work then must be undertaken in future, rr will double the food production o; our land, and will increase the population, he said. Th e completion of the Rangitata irrigation scheme could synchronise with such land improvement schemes as that proposed at Ashburton, and, together, they would prove a wonderful boon to Im. Dominion.

Mr. Semple said that scientific records showed how irrigation hac worked wonders in other countries, increasing the productivity of the land five or even eight times. Large areas of Canterbury, Central Otago, and Marlborough "could share in those same benefits

“Only an increased population will enable us to develop our resources to the maximum,” he said. “VVe have a priceless heritage here, anct it is our duty to develop it. Population is th e surest defence for our country. Another million ana aquarter of people, and we would be able to defend it against any attacker; but we are living in a fool’s paradise if we think we can defend it with a mere handful of people.”