ENCOURAGING LARGE FAMILIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22723, 8 May 1937, Page 17

ENCOURAGING LARGE FAMILIES

Sir, —1 heartily endorse the sentiments expressed by your correspondent "Deeds, not Words," in your issue of -\lay o. We hear much of the responsibility of women toward the race, but surely in these enlightened times beys should be trained to look forward to marriago and fatherhood as a great privilege. How many homes are ruined by fathers who either spend too much money gratifying their own desires with liquor, racing or cards, arc badtempered and selfish, or unprincipled in money matters. This happens not only in poor homes, but in those whore circumstances arc, or should be, quite comfortable. A woman bearing children should have peace of mind and 110 worry about the well-being of the family, but too often she is broken in spirit and health, contending with the vagaries of her inconsiderate husband, who should be her helpmate in every sense of the word. Tho mental outlook of children who grow up in such an atmosphere is affected adversely for life. Small wonder that women are afraid to bring more little ones into the world to endure life under the tyranny of selfish fathers —men without ideals. A good father is a priceless blessing, so let us begin early and train our boys for their future responsibilities. Feminist.