POPULATION OF DOMINION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4954, 11 February 1937, Page 4

POPULATION OF DOMINION.

The position in regard to the slow increase in the population of New Zealand is a matter of deep concern, and one that calls for serious thought. Last year the population was almost stationary, there being only an increase of 1.05 per cent, as compared with the previous year. This is the lowest increase since statistics were first taken in 1851. The largest increase in population was in 1864, when it was 20.54 per cent. Since then there has been a gradual drop, and if the same conditions continue it may be found in a few years that the population is stationary. The average annual population increment during the post-war 10 years (1919-28) exceeded 30,000; while for the next 7 years (1929-1935) the average per annum was 13,000. This position has been brought about by the decline in the birth-rate, and a cessation of immigration. During the years 1876-80 the birth-rate averaged annually 29.41 per thousand of population. In 1935 this had dropped to 7.91 per thousand. The economic policy of New Zealand has been based on a reasonable increase of population, but this has not been realised. It is generally accepted that so far as its resources are concerned New Zealand can maintain treble and even fourfold its present population. The question of migration from the United Kingdom is now receiving the attention of the British Government, but there are many problems to deal with before action in this way ,s possible from an economic point of view. Some authorities are of the opinion that the population of England and Wales, which is now 40,500,000, will be 28,500,000 in 1976. This, is only supposition, but it seems inevitable that there will be a general decline in both countries. It was only to be expected that during the years of the depression there would be a stoppage of migration to the Dominion, and a general decline in the birthrate. With better conditions, the position may improve. A declining birth-rate is a serious matter for the whole Empire where there are enormous spaces to be filled and developed, while the majority of the Continental countries are overcrowded. It seems impossible for the United Kingdom to supply a great number of immigrants for the Dominion, but there are possibilities in the Nordic countries of Europe. These people make good pioneers and are splendid workers. Yet this again raises the problem of finance to give these men a start, for it is rural workers that are required in a country like New Zealand. In the year 1926 a total of 10,766 assisted immigrants landed in New Zealand. Since then there has been a drop, until in 1934 only one assisted immigrant landed on these shores and in 1935 there was none. The Empire population problem is becoming more acute year by year. If the present conditions continue it may in time mean the disintegration of the Great Commonwealth of Nations.