FALL IN BIRTH RATE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 437, 19 May 1937, Page 6

FALL IN BIRTH RATE

ABORTION PROBLEM Presbyterian Moderator’s Comment Press Association —Copyright. Invercargill, May 18. “In common with all Christian people throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand I am deeply con_ erned about the revelations recently made in the report of the Government commission on the incidence of septic abortion,” said the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Rt. Rev. T. H. Roseveare to-day in a. state, ment to the Press. “That more than 6000 potential lives are criminally destroyed! every year in our land is a fact which should make us as Christian people hang our heads in shame. The most serious side of the whole matter is that the present position indicates a definite subsidence of the moral foundations of the nation.

“The falling numbers in our schools and our declining birth rate in an economically fortunate landi are indicative of an unheallhy state of affair£. Something ipust be done to arrest what must eventually lead to national decadence and death. “The present position is a clear call to action on the part of all loyal New Zealanders,” said Mr Roseveare “The evil has been unmasked stnd must be tackled at its source, and' this is found primarily in the low spiritual condition of a section of ou* people, A real revival of vital religion more attention to the Christian nature of our young people are necessary stages in the permanent .solution of a difficult problem. “I would urge Christian people to stand firm for that reverence for God and his laws which made our forefathers stout defenders, by precept and example, of ths sanctity of the home and the promoters of that ‘righteousness which alone exalteth a nation.’ ”