FAMILIES AND PRICES.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 640, 10 June 1921, Page 6

FAMILIES AND PRICES.

The question of giving special assistance to the man with a large family was discussed at a meeting of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children at Dunedin last week. The matter was brought forward by a lady member, who suggested the advisability of approaching the Government. She pointed out the hardships entailed in rearing and providing for large families on a limited income with the present high cost of everything and thought that there might be Government assistance, commencing with families over five in number, and that it should be limited to households where the head was not earning more than £4 a week. Such a provision,; it was argued, would have the effect of helping those in most need qZ it, those who in the near future would find it very hard to carry on at aj -and it would be free from the abuses of the bonus system in Australia. It was one way of attempting to lower the high maternal mortality in New Zealand, as it would improve the conditions of life for the expectant mother; and further, it would undoubtedly help in providing one of the Dominion’s most urgent needs — an increase in the healthy population, for the Year Book showed that consumption and insanity were much less frequent amongst the nativeborn than amongst those who came to New Zealand from other countries. For that reason no State-assisted scheme of immigration could hope to furnish us with civic assets equal to those that would be provided by an increased birth-rate and a diminished infant and maternal mortality. The suggestion appears to have been favourably received. Among those who gave the idea his benediction was Canon Neville, who claimed to be a “horrible example” of a man with a large family. He said he had eight children, and knew very well where the shoe pinched. Fir C. E. suggested; but. unfortunately, he failed to afford any indication as to '.c.i the much-needed help was to be provided. A gentleman who assumes the leadership of a political part}', however small his following nay be. ought rot to tell: glibly about “forcing the Government” to undertake new and heavv financial responsibilities unless lie is prepared to demonstrate where the money is to come from. Undoubtedly men and women with large families must be experiencing great difficulty in. making ends meet. Assuredly they are the people who should have first claim to consideration and assistance. If Mr Statham is able to propound a sound, equitable and practical scheme he will not have to “force” its adoption upon the Government.