MORE POPULATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 2 April 1938, Page 9

MORE POPULATION

NEW ZEALAND’S NEED BABY BONUS SUGGESTED IMMIGRATION ADVOCATED The need for a greater population in New Zealand was stressed by Mr W. H. Hemingway in an address to members of the Auckland Junior National League (reports the “Herald”). ‘ Mr Hemingway said the position was serious not onlj' from the point of view of defence but also because, hitherto, all public borrowing and, for that matter, New Zealand’s entire economic system had been based on an assumption that the population would increaf? at least as steadily as it did in formed years. That assumption had not been realised. After discussing the high birth-rate 50 years ago. Mr Hemingway said that over the past five years the average natural increase in the Dominion had been only 8.3 per 1000. Japan, who had declared that her destiny was to dominate not only the Orient but also the entire Pacific, was increasing in population at the rate of 950,000 a year, or 13.8 per 1000. Another disturbing factor was that, of late years, the permanent arrivals in New Zealand had been less than the permanent departures. It was a matter for regret that many young men were not satisfied with the conditions and prospects in New Zealand and sought opportunity abroad.

The Government should consider the payment of a reasonable baby bonus to ; mothers and greater tax relief to j parents, the speaker considered. Some I practical scheme of immigration to en- j courage new-comers of the right type j should be devised and put into effect, j It appeared that the question of population was not receiving the serious attention its importance demanded. Mr Hemingway also referred to the Dominion’s public debt which, he said amounted to £348,000.000, or £221 a . head, after the inclusion of local j debt. Although the figure was large, ( New Zealand would have little to wor- , ry about if her population increased at ( a reasonable rate and encouragemeiU was given to freedom in wealth production.