Immigration Problems

The Prime Minister has laid it down, and rightly, that New Zealand's first duty is to rehabilitate her soldiers. This process, however, could be assisted rather than hindered by immigration. An expanding economy demands an expanding population. Careful planning will be necessary, the immigrants must be absorbed gradually, but immigration we must have if we are to avoid the degeneration and decay that will accompany a declining population. It is for the younger generation to decide now; will it be prepared, in ten to thirty years' time, to carry the enormous social burden of an aged population, or will it demand the assistance of young workers, brought from Britain and Europe at the earliest possible time? There is evidence that many are anxious to come. If we are unable to take them now, let us at least tell them fully of what New Zealand has to offer, and assure them of a welcome in the future. If we do not do so, they will inevitably go elsewhere, and when we awaken to our desperate need, our chance will be lost

—M.R.