CHILD IMMIGRANTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 16, 14 April 1947, Page 4

CHILD IMMIGRANTS

NEED FOR GREATER POPULATION PREVENTING NATIONAL SUICIDE "Our need for a greater population is beyond all question. We shall commit national suicide if we think we can hold this lovely fertile land with a million and a half people, and half of our population is over 40," said Mrs J. Mowbray Tripp, when she spoke on "Child Migration" at the women's rally organised by the National Council of Women at Christchurch.

"We who pride ourselves on leading the world are lagging behind the other Dominions, in producing a policy. Australia is taking 50,000 children as a part of a much larger deevlopment," Mrs Tripp continued. "Nothing should be allowed to stand in our way to encourage the excellent material willing and eager to push out to this .Britain of the South.

"Yes, we know the hurdles ahead of shipping and housing, but difficulties produce greatness, and without struggle and vision we shall cease to be the great people we imagine we are, and just remain little islanders.

"We have in the past achieved so much, but we take life too easily; more so than is justified," said the speaker. "Humanity today needs, more than coupons and parcels; you cannot be isolationist and a Christian. Never again shall we be given such an opportunity for constructive planning. We have our development boards, who understand our needs and capacity to absorb; we must go forward courageously and maintain a right balance; but do not let us stand shivering on the shore of indecision. . «

"This land needs fresh seed, with its a'geing population," the speaker added. "By all means let us gather what we can from tne orphanages of England, but after all our race is made up of a mixture of good blood. We must go to Germany and Austria where they are over-populated, homeless, and have lost their way. Transplant children young enough and let them grow into this lovely land. If young stock is fed right and given • the right education you need not fear the harvest," Mrs Tripp said.

For the housing of these children, Mrs Tripp advocated cottage homes with mothers in charge. Thesehomes should be built around playing fields and should have their own school. . r* ;