Poverty Bay Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 1937. NEED FOR MIGRATION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19519, 29 December 1937, Page 4

Poverty Bay Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 1937. NEED FOR MIGRATION

Notwithstanding the repeated discussions in various parts of the Empire, little of a practical .nature has yet been done to stimulate migration to the Dominions where the scope for increased populations is almost unlimited. The question is of the utmost importance to New Zealand for various reasons. The whole economy of this Dominion has been built up on the assumption that there would be a steady increase in the population, and this year alone more than £18,000,000 is being spent on public works —to provide facilities and amenities which can only be justified if they are to serve a far larger number of people than make use of them at the present time. For the purpose of defence, and even to justify the retention of the territory, it is essential that there should be a rapid expansion of manpower. If secondary industries are to be maintained, let alone expand, there must be an increase in the number of domestic consumers because industrial conditions make it quitp impossible to build up an export trade in manufactured goods. On these points there can be no argument: an increase in population is imperative, and the only question is how it can be obtained.

The Government Statistician pointed out recently that there is a possibility of a declining population in the near future, and he issued a warning that cannot- be ignored. The best method of providing a remedy is by an increase in the birth rate, but no means has yet been devised of stimulating this and it becomes necessary, therefore, to look overseas for the new stock that is so urgently required. Before the war, when the birth rate had not declined to such an alarming extent as at present, immigrants were arriving in New Zealand at the rate of more than 7000 a year, and after the war the rate was increased to nearly 10,000 a year. For the ten years from 1919 to 1928 the average annual population increment was more than 30,000; for the next seven years it was only 13,000; by 1935 it had been reduced to little more than 9000. That situation, even on the face of it, is bad enough, but when it is remembered that at the same time the age constitution is rapidly changing, so that the proportion of older people is increased and the rate of reproduction reduced it will be seen just how serious the position has become and how close the Dominion has come to the point when its population will actually commence to decline. In the plainest of plain language, unless some steps are taken, and taken promptly, it will not be long before New Zealanders become a vanishing race.

One of the most disquieting features is that New Zealand compares unfavourably with other Dominions, and particularly with Australia. Both countries for many years received large numbers of immigrants from the Mother Country, and even between i 027 and 1931 New Zealand’s net. gain by migration was 18,634. From 1932 to 1936, however, there was a net loss of 12,366, which means that two-thirds of the gains of the five preceding years were lost. Australia had a similar experience, the migration loss for the seven years ended in 1936 being 30,000. In proportion, however, Australia lost less heavily than New Zealand, and this point alone might provoke speculation and inquiry. Latterly, however, the contrast has become even more marked, for while Australia has been gaining population by migration New Zealand continues to lose it. For the nine months ended September last, Australia bad a net increase by migration of 2438, but New Zealand had a net loss of 752. It is true that there has been some improvement so far as the Dominion is concerned, but the unpalatable fact remains that New Zealand continues to lose population as a result of migration. It is claimed that this country is a “paradise of the Pacific,” but the fact remains that more people are leaving it than entering it, and this point provides food for serious thought.

It is a matter for consideration whether the recent legislative trend has had the effect of making this country less attractive for potential immigrants. In llie first place, it has to be remembered that people who are prepared to sever old ties and seek a new life overseas are generally of an independent nature and are not likely to make their homes where the freedom of the individual and of enterprise is being more and more restricted. Olliers who make a closer study of the position would be deterred by other factors, notably the high cost of living, the excessive taxation and high national debt, and the limited scope and earning power of capital. In all these respects, New Zealand is at a disadvantage compared with Australia, and here, perhaps, lies the explanation of why the Commonwealth is attracting new blood while New Zealand continues to lose part of that which it already has. The fact remains that New Zealand needs immigrants both for defence and development, and that the need has been increased by the declining birth rate. It is necessary to people the country if it is to be defended and developed uid if the occupation of it is to be justified in the face of land-hungry and expanding nations,

With a temperature of 88.2 degrees on Saturday, Hastings experienced the hottest Christmas Day in its history. A large number of holiday visitors are at Stewart Island, and it is expected that a record will be set this year. Over 2000 Wellington people took advantage of the Rangatira's Picton excursion to spend Boxing Day in historic and beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. A former hostess at the Chateau Tongariro, Mrs. Frances Winifred Cobbe, the wife of Mr. Richard Cobbe, of Ngaruawahia, died in Hamilton recently, at the age of 50 years. Mr. Cobbe was formerly manager of the Chateau. Mrs. Cobbe is survived by her husband and two daughters. One of the most beautiful homes in Auckland, that owned by Mr. Charles H. Abbott, 188 Remuera road, has been sold, the purchaser being Mr. Peter A. N. Nathan, of Remuera road, who will take possession during April. The terms of the sale have not been disclosed.

“Bicycles are coming into favour in England; there is one to every four of the population,” said Mrs. E. M. Knox Gilmer, who arrived at Wellington this week after a trip abroad, “and there is one to every two of the population in Holland. They are forming a new problem for the transport authorities.” . Carrying 1000 cups and saucers, 4000 plates, 1000 glasses, bowls, fancy dishes and incidentals, a lorry travelling from Invercargill to Riverton skidded on loose gravel and turned a somersault. Consternation prevailed, but fortunately both driver and caterer were uninjured, although the crockery was extensively damaged.

Fire destroyed the residence of Mr. S. J. Dobbs, of the Guthrie district, Rotorua. Mrs. Dobbs and two young children, who were alone in the house at the time, were awakened by the noise and had to make a hurried exit. Nothing was saved from the flames. Neighbours next day erected temporary quarters for Mr. and Mrs. Dobbs.

As from the beginning of November H.M.S. Dunedin is being employed as a torpedo-bomber target vessel at Portsmouth, in addition to her duties as boys’ training-ship. She is to be an independent command, remaining in the Reserve Fleet. The Dunedin returned to England in March after 13 years’ service with the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy.

Increases, though not of alarming proportions, in the number of rabbits in the area controlled by the Kiwitea Rabbit Board were reported by both inspectors at the meeting of the board at Kimbolton recently. It was pointed out, however, that as the breeding season was nearly finished poisoning could be done satisfactorily and there would soon be a reasonable reduction in the pest.

A record for the Christmas period was established at Frankton Junction railway station during the 24 hours between noon on Friday and noon on Saturday, when 20,000 passengers are estimated to have passed through the junction on north and south bound expresses. This is recognised as prac--1 ically a 100 per cent increase on last year, when the outbreak of infantile paralysis seriously affected the travelling public. “There is an acute shortage of domestics in Australia,” said Sir Arthur Rickard, of Sydney, who arrived at Auckland by the Niagara. “To remedy the situation they will have to raise the status of girls in domestic service and show them more consideration. Many householders are offering high wages and are anxious to give the girls fair treatment, but there have been cases of employees being exploited. Furthermore, the wages in drops are often attractive, while such employment also leaves the girls with the evenings free.

After a trip which included visits to America, Canada, Great Britain, and the Continent, Mr. F. W. Mitchell, Dunedin, has returned to New Zea’and with the definite impression that none of the countries which he visited vas anxious for or fearful of war. Although on the Continent, in pariclular, people did not seem to have a great deal of money to spend, the general atmosphere was of cheerfulness and brightness, he said. In America and Great Britain there was -very sign of a new prosperity. Factories were working at full pressure and there appeared to be plenty of work everywhere.

Writing to the Mayor of Gisborne, Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., in connection with the recent visit of H.M.S. Leith to Gisborne, Captain L. C. P. Tudway expresses keen appreciation of the hospitality extended to the ship's complement by the people of the district, and especially by the Mayor and council. "The welcome accorded to us was very warm, and we only hope that our ‘at home’ on December 21 did in some measure return the hospitality of the many persons who helped to entertain us, and express our gratitude to them All,” states Captain Tudway. “I hope that it may be possible to make a return visit to your town before we end our commission on this station.”

The main impression gained by Mr. F. W. Mitchell, Dunedin, during a recent visit to Germany was that of the extreme friendliness and courtesy with which travellers were greeted. This was most noticeable in Germany, where everybody seemed to be working and reasonably happy. Herr Hitler’s announced policy of attracting all young people to some form of handicraft appeared to be popular and successful. People did not particularly well to do, but there were no signs of real poverty. “The oopularity of Herr Hitler is amazing.” Mr. Mitchell said. “I am not going into reasons, but one hears nothing but oraise for his work and faith in his ability and leadership.” The Fuehrer lived very unassumingly in the cities, his quarters being modest and quiet. “Incidentally," Mr. Mitchell added, "the service in Germany’s hotels and shops is the best in the world in my opinion.”

The Poverty Bay sculler, W. McLeod, who is to be furnished with a best-and-best boat this season for a ‘rial in the New Zealand sculling championship race, competed successfully at the Tauranga regatta on Boxing Day, winning the single-sculling event from J. T. Plummer and J. H. Plummer, Tauranga. who finished second and third respectively, McLeod took part in this event last year, in a clinker-built craft, and was ac--orried a substantial handicap on the other prominent entrants, who raced in a championship class of boat. His performance on that occasion was remarked upon by many critics of sculling as most promising, for he won bv a margin fully as great as that which his handicap gave him at the start. The Poverty Bay club man has been outstanding in rowing events in this district for some seasons, and last year stroked the East Coast association’s eight in the interprovincial race.