LARGER FAMILIES

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 445, 29 May 1937, Page 7

LARGER FAMILIES

NEEDED IN N.Z. People Too Poor? Dunedin, May 2S “Though not possessing expert knowledge I surmise that two of the physical characteristics of a dominant race are sound teeth and large families,” observed Mr. Jam s Begg, when, addressing the Victorian League. “Neither 'of these attributes,” he continued, “are much in evidence in New Zealand.” Little was to be gained by immigration. New Zealand people appeared either to be too poor to risk having large families or to lack the physical, mental or moral energy to do so, but migration enthusiasts —optimists all —• expected that people on th3' oLh,onside of the world would produce children, rear, feed and educate firm till they reached maturity, and then make New Zealand a present of them, accompanied by capital of, say. £lOOO 1 cash. “No great people can be built up on this basis,” said Mr. Begg.