THE BURDEN OF MOTHERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 38, 15 February 1939, Page 8

THE BURDEN OF MOTHERS

BIRTH RATE DECLINE CAUSE AND CURE [Per Press AsjOciation. 1 WELLINGTON, Feb. 14. Cheap electricity and cheap electrical domestic appliances were suggested as tending to cure the low birth-rate, by Dr. W. H. L. Cumpston. Director-General of Healtn for the Commonwealth of Australia, speaking at the Wellington Travel Club’s reception to-day.

“We have heard a lot about the decline of the birth-rate. We all talk about it and do nothing about it. It is time we stopped talking and considered just what is wrong,” said Dr. Cumpston. “I suggest that the obvious thing wrong at the moment is that a mother is the hardest worked and the least considered element in the community,” he said. New Zealand had a great opportunity to change that. Conditions for workers had been regulated but a mother had to bear the drudgery of house-work and bring up the children. One thing that might be done in New Zealand with its cheap power was the provision of electric household appliances very much cheaper than they were at present. If people were to keep good conditions for themselves they would have to give relief for mother, relief from drudgery and the provision of a happy family life in which a mother,could find pleasure and enjoyment.

A change in the female side of life was necessary and if these things were not done the community would have to face a continued reduction in the birth-rate, because it was not possible for mothers to continue to bear the burden they carried to-day.