June 27.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 1919

As the outcome of discussions at the conference it is understood that the Imperial authorities will arrange that the self-governing dependencies will in future be administered separately from the Crown colonies. Inclusive of dependencies, there are no less than thirty-three colonies of the Crown.

In this connection it will, I am sure, be gratifying to you and our people generally to learn that, in compliance with representations made by Sir Joseph Ward, the British Government is prepared to advise His Majesty to raise the status of New Zealand by changing its designation from “Colony” to “Dominion,” upon being requested so to do by resolution of Parliament. A motion to this effect will be submitted, and if carried the effect will be to place New Zealand in a higher position in the eyes of the world.

The New Zealand International Exhibition, which was opened on the 1st November last, was formally closed by me on the 15th April. The results have more than fulfilled expectations. The total attendance was nearly two millions, and my Ministers are satisfied that the net cost to the public treasury is more than compensated by the many direct and indirect advantages which New Zealand has gained by the undertaking. Quite irrespective of the direct financial receipts consequent on the influx of visitors and the Customs duties on exhibits sold, the Exhibition has served to bring into prominence the advantages and resources of New Zealand, and has also had a great educational influence in industry, science, and art.

The circumstances and position of New Zealand make—and will probably always make—our agricultural and pastoral interests the paramount concern of the whole community, and my Advisers feel that the already extensive machinery and functions of the Agricultural Department may be still further developed to the material benefit of our settlers by spreading more widely the most recent scientific knowledge in productive processes of all kinds of farming. To this end an experimental dairy school and other methods of instruction will be instituted, and two objects will be kept in view: first, that of insuring the highest grade of excellence in our products; and, secondly, that of protecting our farmers and the country generally against the injury resulting from inferior products being falsely sold as those of New Zealand.

The mining industry, in the widest meaning of the term, probably ranks second in importance to that of the agricultural and pastoral, and it is gratifying to know that it is progressing upon a solid and legitimate basis. The gold entered for exportation last year amounted to £2,270,904, being a large increase on that of the previous year’s output. My Advisers will ask for authority to assist and promote on safe lines the development of this great industry, which in all its branches now gives employment to so many thousands of our people.

My Prime Minister also attended the Maritime Conference of delegates representing the shipping interests of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and New Zealand. Full minutes of the proceedings will be laid before you, and from them you will see that many important subjects were discussed, and in some cases a satisfactory understanding was come to on points upon which difficulty and friction existed. My Advisers are pleased to find that the British shipowners had but little objection to urge against the New Zealand Shipping and Seamens Act, or the manner in which the Marine Department administers it. In the comparatively few cases, however, where legislation is necessary in order to give effect to the resolutions of the conference, an amending Bill will be submitted for your consideration.

You will be asked to make further provision for workmen’s homes, so that a smaller proportion of the wages earned by our city workers will have to be spent in rent.

The results of the last census have now been definitely ascertained. The population of New Zealand (excluding members of the Maori race) amounts to 883,579, showing a very satisfactory increase (115,859) over the census of 1901. The Representation Commission has considered the necessary redivision of electoral districts, and has forwarded to me its report, which will be presented to you.