Untitled

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 467, 14 June 1890, Page 3

Those persons who have read Macaulay’s review ci Sadler's attack upon the Malthusian theory will be interested in the following extract from the H. B. Herald Most persons have heard or read of what is called the “ Malthusian theory.” It is so called from its formulator, one Malthus, a benevolent clergyman. In the fewest possible words the theory is this—that population tends to increase at a greater rate than the means of subsistence. Most persons who have heard of the theory have been led to believe in it. A few, however, look upon it ss a huge fallacy. Henry George is among the number, and in this respect the majority of thinking persons look upon Henry George as extremely stupid. Without attempting to decide be tween the parties, it is allowable to state that there is an island in the Pacific which seems to give “ his Georgesbip ” the direct answer to his population notions. It is Pitcairn Island, upon which reside the descendants of the mutineers of the Bounty. The island, which is three and a half miles long and a mile wide, is very fertile. Its population has increased in about the usual ratio since it was first settled, and the present inhabitants are beginning to have forced upon them the fact that if that rate of increase is kept up much longer there will not be enough food to go round. Nome of the Islanders must die or emigrate, or else marrying and giving in marriage must cease. Whatever may be argued about the world as a whole, it is quite evident that for Pitcairn Island the Malthusian theory must be accepted as only too true.

The late Secretary of the H.B. Chamber of Commerce refused to accept £7 10s passed as a payment for his services, and claimed that he was entitled to £l2 10s.