NEED FOR POPULATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22465, 8 July 1936, Page 17

NEED FOR POPULATION

Sir, —So engrossed are we with what hours we shall work, what wages we should receive and party politics that we overlook the fact that we are walking on the edge of a slumbering volcano and that it is within the range of possibility that a foreign nation may decide these matters for us. To enable us to hold what we now have it is obvious that a much larger population is necessary. If we will not use or populate a country capable of supporting in comfort many millions, then we maslook forward to have it taken from us; in fact, it is questionable whether we have any moral right to close it against the needs of overcrowded nations who long for the opportunity which we possess, but of which we will not take advantage. In tho past, German, Dalmatian and Norse settlements in this country have proved satisfactory, and the descendants of these settlers arc indistinguishable from our own people If we cannot obtain sufficient supply from the British Isles we might do worse than attempt to draw a percentage from kindred nations. Our position may at any time become a serious one, and there should, I think, be no unnecessary delay" in taking suitable action. We have a climate which suits our race, a country the greater portion of which is fertile, not one-tenth of which has been fully developed. It is one that should provide* food, shelter, clothing and comfort for at least 10 million people. Apart from the fear of invasion and necessity for providing against it, the country would probably be more prosperous than it is if we could, where land is suitable, settle the whole of that suitable land of the Dominion in small intensively cultivated farms. It would comfortably maintain an enormous population, both off and on the land. 1 trust that some abler pen than mine will take up this subject and endeavour to awaken ' our people to their danger. If it is not possible to do this, and to do it soon, then we must eventually find ourselves and our wives and daughters in the hands of some alien Power. A. W. Hewitt.