STARTLING PROPHECIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21004, 17 April 1930, Page 13

STARTLING PROPHECIES

EARL OF BIRKENHEAD’S BOOK. LEISURE FOR EVERYONE. (United Press Association.) ■ (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LOXDOX, April 13. Limitless motive power, stereoscopic television in natural colours, enabling a tost match in Australia to’ be seen with perfect clearness in London; parliamentary debates heard by everyone, ending in a national vote by all the electors, like a parliamentary division, within 20 minutes; disease practically abolished; agriculture superseded by food chemically made; every town selffeeding on beefsteaks made by- the ton in laboratories; synthetic bread, sugar, and-vegetables cheaper than water; and one week’s work to three weeks’ leisure for everyone—those are among the forecasts in the Earl of Birkenhead’s astonishing book) “ The World in 2030,” just published. Even more startling a prophecy is that of ectogenetic birth—the development of children - from fertilised cells drawn from a woman’s body—-carried out in- laboratories. Even the possibility of this process will arouse the fiercest antagonism of the religious bodies of many' creeds, but as it is scientifically possible scientists Will not be deterred from its-attainment, “If ectogenosis becomes an established part of human society the effect will be shattering. It will separate reproduction from marriage, hut women will ultimately accept it as the price of freedom, never yet achieved. Rejuvenation wilT be established as the result of a mere scries of injections.” The author predicts the federation of Europe, transcending all mere, nationality, with new relationship between the British Empire and the United States. Aeroplanes will supersede motor cars, except for shopping and picnics. Government by experts controlled- by referendum, will take the place of party politics.