View report page

34
made of Census figures. Since then, the Census form has become
progressively more comprehensive and consequently more valuable
as a statistical instrument.
More recently a move was made to initiate 5 year Census periods
when, on the night of 24/25th April, 1966, a 10% sample of the
population was taken during which, for the first time ever, information
regarding cars and garaging facilities was requested.
Population
General—Determinations of future populations are of vital
importance to governments for the framing of social policies, to
hospitals for the provision of adequate and suitable facilities, to
local authorities who have a duty to plan maternity and child
welfare services, nurseries, schools, housing, etc., and to the Medical
Officer of Health who needs to know and to gauge the effect of
these variables upon the health of the public, generally.
Population levels are dependent on three factors, viz. births,
deaths and migration and the extent to which reliance may be
placed on projected populations rests upon the accuracy with
which these separate factors can be forecast. It is usual, indeed it is
the best method available, to base future trends on past experiences
(extrapolation) and with death rates this has seldom failed.
Birth rates, however, have proved to be rather less reliable and
migration, especially since the introduction of the Commonwealth
Immigrants Act, 1962, is the most difficult to assess.
During the last two decades, the spread of medical technology
has been so rapid and the reduction of infant mortality among rich
and poor alike so dramatic that a doubling of the world's population
to 7,000 millions by 2000 A.D. is now much more than a possibility.
To the majority of people such a bald statement is virtually
meaningless and the inherent implications difficult to visualise.
Comprehension is made easier if we say that with the passing of
every second of every day 4 births and 2 deaths occur which result
in 170,000 extra mouths to feed every 24 hours. Truly mankind
is confronted with an unprecedented and fundamental change in
its way of life.
Experience gives reason to suppose that, with such a population
explosion, significant ecological changes will undoubtedly ensue.
Certainly the difficulties, already manifest, in providing for these
extra mouths will grow and malnutrition will become progressively
more widespread. Encouraged by even greater urbanisation, propagation
of slum areas can be anticipated and poverty, that concomitant
of town life, will tend to increase and give rise to further