MORE MARRIAGES
AND FEWER BERTHS CANBERA, May 16. Mr. W. M. Hughes, war-time Prime Minister and now Federal Minister of Health, is making a lot of noise on the platform and through the Press about the unsatisfactory birth-rate. Recent vital statistics for Victoria—figures for other States are not yet up to date—show that the birth-rate has fallen to 15.16 per thousand, the lowest level ever reached in Australia. In 1935 there were 15,409 marriages and only 27,854 birth. In 1931 there were 10.182 marriages and 30,332 births. 1 ‘The figures are staggering!” exclaims Mr. Hughes—sooo more marriages and nearly 3000 fewer children. The disturbed Minister deals with our own case only. Statistics of almost all white men’s countries show a declining birth-rate. Germany and Italy, who complain that thiir countries are over-crowded, have nade extraordinary effects to encourage the breeding of large families. Germany has succeeded to so-me extent, but the Italian birth-rate remains about the same. Australia offers scope for selfsupporting white population and welcomes newcomers who are not a charge on the Government. Some of the churches are supporting Mr. Hughes in his campaign, and we may yet see the influence. Mr. Hughes lays blame on the growing n-actiec of living in flats.
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Bibliographic details
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 125, 28 May 1936, Page 5
Word Count
205MORE MARRIAGES Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 125, 28 May 1936, Page 5
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