June 28.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 1827

The operation of the New Zealand State-guaranteed Advances Act, passed last session, has already had beneficial results, and both country settlers and town workers, and also local bodies, have recognised the improved facilities and advantages for obtaining money furnished by that statute.

The greatest interest has been shown in all parts of New Zealand in the scheme contained in the Land Settlement Finance Act, although some further amendments are necessary to give the statute the free and effective operation my Advisers contemplate.

During the last recess this country has been honoured by a visit of that distinguished soldier, Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener, who, after examining our defence system, defence forces, and harbour defences, furnished my Advisers with a most valuable communication, containing a series of recommendations as to the most effective protection of this Dominion. These recommendations, so far as they were not confidential, have already been published, and have been studied with great and widespread interest.

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

The last year’s returns of public revenue have been eminently satisfactory. The estimates of revenue and expenditure will in due course be laid before you. These have as usual been framed with a due regard to efficiency and economy.

The work of reducing the cost of the public service by amalgamating Departments and by reorganizing other branches of the public service has been completed, and the savings contemplated will be substantially realised.

You will be glad to learn that the Death Duties Act of last year has been found to work effectively and smoothly, and will produce the additional revenue which was contemplated at the time of its being passed.

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

Returns will be laid before you showing the results of traffic throughout our railway system, and your attention will be directed to various questions of importance in connection with the management and extension of that branch of the service.

The present condition of mail connections with the United Kingdom has been engaging the close attention of my Advisers, and negotiations are at present proceeding with a view to giving better and closer mail-services with Great Britain.

Consequent upon the recommendations made by Lord Kitchener, you will be asked to give your best consideration to amendments of the Defence Act of last year, which will provide under certain conditions for an extension of the age-limit for compulsory training.

You will also be asked to consider a number of other important modifications in and improvements of the scheme contained in that statute.

Your attention will be directed to the important question of land legislation, and the Land Bill of last year, with some amendments, will be again submitted to you for approval.

My Advisers are of opinion that the time has arrived when an effective scheme for the establishment of a sinking fund for the repayment of the public debt should be instituted, so that this country should have both a prospect and an assurance of discharging its public debt within a limited period of years. The statutory provisions for creating and carrying out such a scheme will be submitted for your consideration.

Legislation will also be introduced to afford relief in proper cases to the homes upon which the burden and expenses of maternity now fall heavily, and a provision will be made whereby the State will, in cases where the breadwinner earns only a small wage, make a substantial contribution towards this relief.

The National Annuities Bill of last year, with some amendments, will be introduced and submitted for your consideration.