LARGER POPULATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23206, 28 November 1938, Page 13

LARGER POPULATION

DOMINION'S URGENT NEED BENEFITS FROM INCREASE MORE INTERNAL CONSUMPTION [by telegraph—OWN, correspondent] WELLINGTON, Sunday " Other parts of tho Empire are now taking active steps to secure migrants and if New Zealand does not move at once the time may quickly arrive when peoples of our own stock will not be available," said Mr. David Hogg, president of the United Kingdom Manufacturers and New Zealand Representatives' Association, when speaking at the annual meeting.

Mr. Hogg said the question of peopling the Dominions and colonies with British stock was at present engaging the attention of a strong body of men in the United Kingdom—men of vision who had been moved to action by patriotic ideals. " How does this affect this Dominion?" continued Mr. Hogg. "At present our population is stagnant, and if existing conditions continue, it is estimated that in 10 years' time our deaths will exceed our births. _ There seems good evidence that migrants could bo secured at very small cost to the Dominion.

" This country has spent great sums to provide social services, such as railways, roadways, electric power and schools. The burden of interest on such capital outlay now falls on but few shoulders, whereas, with increased population, this taxation would bo spread." Mr. Hogg added that the benefits to this country of increased population of our own stock would be stronger defence, reduced taxation per capita, increased trade, internally and externally, and balanced* economy, by increased internal consumption.