THE BIRTH RATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26473, 29 May 1947, Page 8

THE BIRTH RATE

HIGH DOMINION FIGURES ECONOMIC STIMULUS SHORTAGE OF ACCOMMODATION AND SPECIALISTS P.A. WELLINGTON, May 28. New Zealand’s birth rate has been rising since 1935. This fact was emphasised by Dr Doris Gordon, Director of Maternal and Infant Welfare, in referring to cabled reports indicating that Australia’s birth rate was falling. The Australian Minister of Immigration, Mr A. A. Calwell, stated that if the population decline continued, there would be no Australia in 50 years. Dr Gordon said that in 1946 the number of births in New Zealand was 41,871, a record in the Dominion’s history. For the first quarter -of 1947, 1263 more had been registered than for the corresponding quarter of 1946. This, coupled with her foreknowledge of. heavy bookings in maternity hospitals, said Dr Gordon, justified her assumption that the figures for this year would probably exceed those of 1946. Benefits and Allowances This striking contrast between two very similar countries could be attributed only to the improvement in economic conditions in New Zealand homes-through maternity benefits and children's allowances. Whereas Australia was reported to be alarmed at the decline in births, Dr Gordon said her own alarm or concern was to ensure that increasing numbers did not mean a decline in standards of care. So far New Zealand’s social policy towards mothers and infants could be labelled a “ magnificent experiment.” If history were not to record a qualifying black mark against this period of renaissance in family life, she, as a director, in association with all„other authorities, had to ensure that New Zealand's vaunted standards did not deteriorate. This required leadership and co-operation. “I would be failing in my duty,” said Dr Gordon, “ if I did not tell New Zealand that in 1935 the standard of buildings for obstetric hospitals lagged far behind that for general hospitals. It is still far behind.” She knew of between 500 and 600 obstetrical beds which should be provided now between Invercargill and Kaitaia. Only a bold building policy would meet this need, but buildings alone would not give good service. Loss of Obstetricians Unfortunately New Zealand was following a suicidal policy of excluding the very obstetricians who were now needed more than ever to provide leadership and balance in the changing social order. On May 16 the appointment of Dr W. Hawksworth to Oxford had been announced. He was the fifth of New Zealand’s obstetrical scholars to accept permanent employment in England, because the scope to practise both obstetrics and gynaecology was not offering in New Zealand.

Speaking recently on the subject of the exclusion of obstetrical scholars from New Zealand service, Professor J. B. Dawson, professor of midwifery and gynaecology in the University of Otago, had rightly stated that “the important hospitals of the Dominion were 40 years behind the modern conception of. combining obstetrics and gynaecology in special departments.” Dr Gordon said she was making Dr Dawson’s trenchant comments the basis of a special conference within the Health Department.