2302 THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. [No. 61

The general benefit arising from recent legislation affecting Native lands is now being felt. In all parts of the Dominion the Natives show a strong desire to bring themselves into touch with closer settlement. They are using the machinery of the Native Land Court and Boards freely for the adjustment of their titles and the disposal of their lands. The Native Land Purchase Board has acquired a considerable area of land, which will be further augmented as soon as the necessary surveys and valuations now being pushed on vigorously are completed.

The recent conference of hospital authorities, and the tone of the discussions on the various important problems with which the Hospital Boards are confronted, show that they are very much alive to the need for a general extension of our hospital system—in the direction of the prevention as well as the cure of disease. The decisions arrived at by the conference were based on an intimate knowledge of the needs of the Dominion, and my Advisers are giving them careful consideration.

The Commission appointed under the Gaming Amendment Act of last session, the Commission appointed to inquire into the route of the North Auckland Main Trunk Railway, and the Commission appointed under the Kaiapoi Reserve Act have concluded their inquiries and submitted their reports. These will be placed before you in due course.

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

The estimates of the revenue and expenditure for the year will be placed before you. They have been prepared with due regard to economy consistent with efficiency. The revenue for the past year exceeded the estimate, and shows an increase upon that for the previous financial year. I am therefore pleased to say that the year’s transactions have resulted in a substantial surplus.

The post-audit system has been introduced and is working smoothly and satisfactorily, and is decidedly conducive to prompter payment.

The National Provident Fund Act of last session is now in operation, placing within easy reach of our people the means of lightening the burdens of maternity, as well as protecting the young family and ensuring independence in old age.

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

For some considerable time no substantial amendment has been made in the law relating to persons of unsound mind, and legislation dealing with mentally defective persons needing oversight, care, and control will be submitted to you.

A Bill amending the Native Land Act, 1909, will be submitted for your consideration. It will deal with various matters that have been noted in practice during the period since the Act came into operation.

Bills effecting an improvement in the existing law will be submitted to you in respect to Workers’ Compensation, Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration, and Wages Protection.

A measure dealing with the important question of town-planning will be submitted for your consideration.

The question of the eradication of noxious weeds has become one of vital importance. Something may be done to minimize the evil by regulating the sale of seeds, and a Bill dealing with the matter will be introduced.

The Administration Act, the Births and Deaths Registration Act, the Marriage Act, the Pharmacy Act, the Shipping and Seamen Acts, and the Mining Act require amendment in many important details, and measures for that purpose will be submitted for your consideration.

Bills will also be introduced dealing with Loans to Local Bodies, Local Government, Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks, the Registration of Plumbers, the Sale of Poisons, and other important matters.

In view of the lengthy session of last year and the large amount of important legislation which was then passed, my Advisers are of opinion that this session may be a comparatively short one, in order that the general election may be completed as early as possible.

Commending the proposals of my Ministers to your earnest attention, I pray that, with the blessing of Almighty God, the results of your labours may be for the good of the Empire and of lasting benefit to the people of New Zealand.

By Authority: JOHN MACKAY. Government Printer, Wellington.