The Waikato Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1940 INCREASE IN BIRTH RATE

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21041, 17 February 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1940 INCREASE IN BIRTH RATE

Because increased population has long been recognised as one of New Zealand’s most urgent needs, the statistical return for the past year showing the continued increase in the number of births and a decrease in the infant mortality and general death rates, gives cause for gratification. The birth rate is certainly not yet sufficient, but it has been increasing steadily for four years, and last year was the highest since 1930. Births increased during the year from 27,249 to 28,833, and were at the rate of 18.75 per 1000 of the population. The death rate decreased from 9.71 per 1000 to 9.21, and the natural rate of increase therefore improved from 8.22 to 9.54 per 1000. Infant mortality dropped substantially from 35.63 per 1000 live births in 1928 to 30.90, the lowest figure ever recorded in New Zealand. Economic circumstances have often been regarded as the cause of fluctuations in the birth rate, and the New Zealand figures certainly support that theory. Ten years ago, when the country was just heading into the most serious depression in its history, the birth rate was higher than last year. As economic distress continued to grip the country the birth rate declined until, four years ago, prosperity began to return. At that stage also the new Government came into power in New Zealand and money flowed freely into the pockets of the people. Immediately the birth rate responded, and in each of the past four years an improvement has been shown on the previous year. Whether the improvement can be continued remains to be seen, but the figures do indicate that economic prosperity has a strong influence on the birth rate. Many people will argue that it is the poor and not the rich who show the greatest natural increase, and that therefore affluence has nothing to do with the birth rate, but still the argument of the figures of the past few years is difficult to combat. The reason is, perhaps, that improved financial conditions allow larger numbers of young people to marry and establish their own homes. It is a fact that marriages have increased substantially. There is a danger, of course, of statistics slipping back to their old level, for several important reasons. It may be that most of those whose marriages were deferred because of the depression have now established their homes and that henceforward the rate will return to “normal.” There is another factor, the war, whose influence upon the vital statistics cannot be foretold with accuracy. Everyone agrees that New Zealand requires millions more in population before it can completely fulfil its obligations as a nation. It cannot hope in the near future to gain much by immigration, and therefore it has greater need than ever to stimulate the birth rate, which after all is the best means of increasing the population. It is almost certain that another economic depression would have a seriously adverse effect on population figures. Therefore it is important that everything possible should be done to avoid recklessness or mismanagement that would precipitate financial difficulties and damage the country’s economic structure. New Zealand for several years has been enjoying an unprecedented plenitude of ready money through Government spending. There are limits in that direction which must be watched closely.