THE DANGER OF UNDERPOPULATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23082, 7 January 1937, Page 13

THE DANGER OF UNDERPOPULATION

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—Our right to the national occupancy of New Zealand will be challenged sooner or later. A personal tour of the country is all that is necessary to make obvious to anyone that the land is too sparsely occupied. We cannot reasonably claim a heritage in this country when teeming millions seek an outlet or the right to live. In the face of our dwindling population we simply must act quickly and constructively in an effort to stop this drift into extinction. British immigrants should be assisted into the country as quickly as possible, else we may go under beneath a tide of virile conquerors. On account of our unemployment problem we “play safe” in our non-immigration policy and selfishly demand that only moneyed immigrants are wanted here. We seek our ma terial comfort at the very risk of our national existence. Individually we are apathetic; we lean upon the accepted order of civilisation. Nationally we are slipping down the hill into the valley of infertility and ineptitude. Not only should the Government implement a strong immigration policy, but it should also assist our young people to marry early in life. To this end it should restore the building subsidy and increase it. The Government has shortsightedly cancelled this wise measure, although it had proved its value in helping young couples to marry and in contributing towards employment in the building and allied trades. No self-respecting, self-reliant young couple wants to set up a home m the new scheme Government huts of Socialism. Let them enjoy a natural pride of ownership and by means of a building subsidy, endow them with a financial nucleus on which they may found a home for themselves to the nation’s benefit. Hitler gives a wedding present of 1000 marks to each newly-married couple. We would do well to emulate him even indirectly if we are to stop the slow rot of national decadence.—l am, etc., Wayfarer. January 5.