NEED FOR BIG FAMILIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 17 October 1942, Page 3

NEED FOR BIG FAMILIES

AUSTRALIAN I'ROI I SSOR'S VIEWS Newcastle, Sept. 9. "Unless vve have families of four or live- -two to replace the parents and two to carry on the race- there is little future tor Australia." said Professor A. P Elkin in an address to the Religion and Life Convention at Newcastle to-night. Professor Elkin, addressing delegates on "Christianity in Relation to Family Life,” said the Church should help in a ministry of reconciliation before the divorce court was reached This might provide a positive solution to the problem of the soaring divorce rate in Australia, which had risen consistently since 1901. Mr D. M Jackson said Australia would have to follow a number of States in Europe who were already taking measures for the restoration- of the birth-rate. it was an illusion to believe that the course of the family was served by which* aimed at removing more and more responsibilities from parents. Creches and kindergartens would undoubtedly do good as auxiliarie to the family. The danger was thaf they might be extended beyond measure and tlint mothers might be encouraged to desert their homes for industry because they knew they could "pass the buck" to the teacher or nurse. Traffic in contraceptives as it existed : should bo discontinued when its effect j on the birth-rate was considered. Those who engaged in it could be regarded •ns fifth columnists most useful to Japan.