1616
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 55

a Conference was held, at which representatives of fire-insurance companies doing business in the colony were present, and my Ministers advise me that a course of action inimical to the State Fire Insurance Department was decided upon. This situation has been considered and will be met satisfactorily. There is, however, the pleasing feature that one of the objects Parliament had in view has already been achieved—namely, the reduction of the rate of fire-insurance premiums previously existing in some parts of the colony.

A matter of some moment which demands your earnest attention is the inspection of public and private hospitals, nursing homes, and homes such as the Costley Home in Auckland. Government Inspectors may inspect and report, but there is no legal authority to support the enforcement of their suggested reforms in administration. You will be asked to legislate in this matter.

The heavy infant mortality, with the pain and sorrow entailed thereby, impels my Ministers to urge the introduction of remedial measures. The inadequate provision for the nursing of the sick, especially of the poor of the colony, demands attention, whilst the establishment of foundling and maternity homes is worthy of consideration.

In older countries better provision in these matters is made by the kindly actions of philanthropists; but in New Zealand, where conditions differ so widely, my Ministers consider it not out of place to help to bring about a better state of affairs in this respect. The municipal, hospital, and local institutions will be made use of as far as possible.

The present system of local government is not satisfactory. Reduction in the number of the local authorities, greater power, and assured finance are essential. The matter is one which requires much attention, time, and thought, and my Ministers hope ere long that local government may be placed on a more satisfactory basis.

My Ministers are of the opinion that it is detrimental to the best interests of the colony that monopolies, more especially in respect to food-supplies or tobacco, should exist; and they consider it is the duty of Parliament to pass such legislation either to regulate the operation of, or prevent, trusts and combines existing to the disadvantage of the people. You will be asked to legislate upon this matter.

The prices realised for our staple products are on the whole satisfactory. The profits on dairying are not so great as they were a year ago. With greater care in the selection of stock, due regard to pasture and winter feed, the previous rate of profit with the present prices should be obtained. The prices of wool, sheep, and lambs are satisfactory.

The slight fall in the price of butter and grain has given some concern to those particularly and directly interested, but my Ministers are of the opinion that the general prospects of the colony were never brighter.

Last year’s imports and exports were a record for the colony. The exports exceeded the imports by a satisfactory amount. The trade, industries, and commerce of the colony are flourishing, and the increased receipts from Customs and railways indicate an enlarged spending-power and continued prosperity.

The settlement of people upon the lands of the colony under favourable conditions is of vital importance. My Ministers inform me that the setting-up of a Royal Commission is necessary for the purpose of inquiry into the working of the present land laws and regulations; the constitution of Land Boards and their administration particularly affecting Crown tenants; the question of freehold and leasehold generally; the nature of the difficulties said to exist as to State tenants obtaining advances on their interests; and how a material departure from existing laws would affect the colony. Such Commission will be advised accordingly.

The coal- and gold-mining operations for the year have been very satisfactory. The yield of gold was the greatest that has obtained for the last thirty years, and the outlook for this year is of a very cheery nature. With larger dredges and stronger machinery, the output from the gold-dredges has improved. The yield of gold at Waihi continues to increase, and the discovery of payable quartz at lower levels is a matter for congratulation. The result of the boring-operations at the Thames has given renewed hopes.