THE BIRTHRATE AND TRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 20, 24 January 1946, Page 4

THE BIRTHRATE AND TRADE

. t (To the Edi'.or.) Sir, —I saw in your leader of the 21st that trade followed the birthrate. You might also have said that exports are in proportion to the birthrate. What I mean is, the harvest may be plentiful, but if the labourers are few, how is it to be gathered? In England in 1901, 17 people had to keep one pensioner. At the same rate in 1961, every lix people will have to keep a pensioner. In 1971, that is, in 25 years’ time hcildren will be outnumbered by pensioners. I have pul down pensionable people as pensioners. They may, or may not, draw pensions. Personally, I do not think they will draw pensions, because there will not be sufficient people to pay the pensions. Our chance of exporting to such a country is hardly worth taking care of. If we look for other markets, can we supply them? Our population is almost stationary. There are more people who cannot work on account of old age now, in proportion to our population, than there were 25 years ago. We are told we live in a machine age, but people cannot muster sheep in motor-cars, on country that you cannot ride over, or dock lambs with electricity, or even put up a wire fence with a Diesel engine. The indebtedness of New Zealand, per head, was some time ago about 1100. If we had twice the population it would only be £2OO per head. If it .■ brinks to 800,000 then we shall have an indebtedness of £BOO per head. If our birthrate goes on at. the rate that it decreased in England, in 1961 every six people will have to i.eep one pensioner. In 1965-6 there will be the war bonds to be repaid. What chance have six people of keeping one old-age pensioner and paying their share of lhe war bonds? If we cannot get more perambulators wheeled along the pavement, Hie U.N.O. will not stop conquerors tanks from driving along the Avenue. I am, etc. “WATTOTARA.”