Aug. 21.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 2219

The land question arises periodically for discussion, and is still, as in all free countries, one of the greatest of unsettled problems. On the whole, our complex system of freehold and leasehold tenures, which has been slowly built up during many years by successive Governments, has worked well, and steadily furthered settlement. It would be imprudent to suddenly attempt any radical change in land laws which have been carefully devised to meet the needs of desirable settlers, whether in good or in bad times. Important amendments are necessary, and my Advisers hope to submit proposals which will bring our system nearer to the ideal of granting the fullest measure of security and stimulus to the farmer consistent with the paramount interests and duties of the State.

My Advisers believe that it will be to the interest of the Maori race, as well as to the great advantage of the whole colony, to provide that all Native lands should be beneficially occupied, either by the Maoris themselves or by Europeans. To accomplish this, it is recognised that Native-land titles must be more expeditiously dealt with and determined, the needs of the owners ascertained, and, where they have surplus and unoccupied lands, these must be acquired by the State for settlement. The creation of an efficient and distinct Department for Native Affairs will, it is believed, expedite the carrying-out of such a policy, and this has already been undertaken.

Proposals will be submitted to you for the improvement of the system of audit in the accounts of Government Departments and public bodies.

The colony is happily attracting an increased number of visitors, many of whom may be regarded as tourists. The value to our people from this source is very considerable, and reasonable efforts will be made to further increase the usefulness of the Tourist Department.

The Commission which was appointed to inquire into the Te Aute and other Native trusts has reported to me, and the report will be laid before you.

Another Commission has been set up, to investigate the causes of fires on board ships laden with our produce voyaging from this colony to England. The frequency of these fires, their danger to life and property, and the importance to producers of minimising all risks by sea carriage, make it imperative to ascertain the sources of these accidents so as to guard against their occurrence. This report will be presented to you in due course.

MR. SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,—

The estimates of expenditure for the current year have been framed with economy, having due regard to the magnitude of the area and interests under control.

The policy of active progress in connection with railways and the completion of lines under construction will be vigorously prosecuted.

You will be asked to make special provision to provide for the extension of roads and telephones to outpost settlements, to facilitate both business and medical-aid communication.

The question of making provision for old-age pensions, as well as that of a separate Endowment Fund for educational purposes and hospitals and charitable aid, is a subject of national importance, and proposals for setting aside suitable endowments for these purposes will be submitted to you.

HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,—

The labour laws have been administered on the whole with satisfaction both to employers and employees. As, however, our industries have developed and multiplied, the number of industrial differences, breaches of award, and workers’ compensation claims have necessarily increased, and delays have unavoidably arisen. The arbitration and conciliation system cannot operate satisfactorily unless disputes and claims are promptly and expeditiously decided. To insure this my Ministers are of opinion that the time has arrived for the appointment of a Judge of the Arbitration Court, who should