THE BIRTH RATE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 April 1928, Page 5

THE BIRTH RATE

A STATISTICIAN’S VIEWS

Owing to New Zealand's happy position in possessing the lowest infant mortality rate in the world, a study of the birth-rate figures of this country is always of special interest (states the ‘‘New Zealand Herald”). The problems of birth rate and death rate are peculiarly interwoven, and an informative paper by Dr. E. P. Neale, secretary of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce,, on New Zealand infantile mortality, published by the American Statistical Association, contains many interesting references to the birth rate.

Dr. Neaie points out that. a. given *fh<tiy* birth rate may he consistent, with either (a) a high actual birth into and a high rate of infant, mortality; or (b) a low actual birth rate and a low rate of infant mortality. He submits that a high birth rate, with its normal accompaniment of high infantile mortality, is undesirable on various grounds. Among these lie places first the great physical discomfort, mental anxiety, and expense for both parents involved in frequent, births. Then there is the fact that. mothers, prospective and actual, arc rendered temporarily unable to do full just ice to their household and other duties.

Most parents with large families are unable, owing to the enormous demands r,n their time arid incomes, to provide suflieienf. food, clothing, attention. ete., for their little ones, or indeed for themselves. The consequent greater liability to sickness and want lend to frequent funerals, with their attendant, expense, and to the filling of the cemeteries with tiny mounds. “Keep the* cradles full,” and the undertakers will never he out of a job. Much economic waste is involved in the rearing to an early death of infants, who. succumbing to the conditions of their environment, are destined never to become effective members of society. For all these reasons Dr. Neale takes up the* position that a high birth rate with the usual accompanying high infant mortality is not a desirable object to be aimed at in the national life.