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Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20607, 22 December 1936, Page 13

The Government's decision that the first contract to be let in Dunedin under the housing scheme shall be for a dwelling for the Johnson family, of quadruplets fame, is (the “Dominion” says) a sentimental ancj pleasing gesture. In these days of a declining New Zealand population it is becoming a matter for national thankfulness that any babies at all are being born. When four arrive in a single household at once it is fitting that the event should be appropriately honouredRaising a family nowadays is not such a happy-go-lucky business as it used to be. Higher standards of living and comfort, the perfectly natural desire of parents to do the best for their children in the way of education and pleasures have added greatly to the cost of families. Many married couples are disinclined to bring children into the world unless they can be sure that these amenities will be accessible without unduly circumscribing their own comforts and luxuries. Parenthood means sacrifices which the latterday generation has a tendency to shirk. That is not good for the national character.