THE BIRTH DECLINE
IN MIDDLE-CLASS HOMES At a time when there is a tendency for the general birth-rate to decline it becomes more important than ever that wo spare no effort and no expense to save those that are born. Recent news from Britain informs us that fewer British babies are being born than ever before, and that seven years hence there will be more deaths than births, with the result that, unless something unforeseen occurs, the population of the United Kingdom in 1967 will show a decrease of 2,000,000 on the present figures.
The birth decline is especially marked in middle-class homes. Why is thisP Perhaps it is because they are the hardest hit of all in these depressed times, and they simply cannot afford the luxury of children. They are, for the most part, people who have no trade unions- to fight for thenn They have to live (and pay the taxes) on reduced salaries, and they struggle on as best they can. Many of them have lost their jobs, yet are too proud to apply for the " dole " —the " family " carries them, waiting for brighter times. There is the tragedy of it; Britain is losing the children who ought to be born of these people, who are perhaps the finest type of all.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22094, 27 April 1935, Page 6 (Supplement)
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216THE BIRTH DECLINE New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22094, 27 April 1935, Page 6 (Supplement)
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