Feb. 16.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 759

upon which these questions are based. It is proposed to create a standing Commission of Industrial Investigation, consisting of two representatives of the labour unions and one each of the industrial, commercial, and landed interests. This Commission will inquire into any question affecting the cost of living, the existence of monopolies, and other pressing social and industrial problems, including the question of unemployment and sickness, and, after inquiry, will report thereon to Parliament. By this means my Ministers hope to provide the people as a whole with full and reliable information regarding the facts from which urgent social and industrial questions are now arising, and also furnish Parliament with the basis for necessary remedial legislation.

Improved legislation will be introduced dealing with the labour troubles which have recently arisen in New Zealand. In this connection my Advisers propose to amend the present Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act in the direction of removing causes that lead to unnecessary friction between employers and employees. Under the proposed amendment the President of the Arbitration Court will not necessarily be a Supreme Court Judge or other lawyer, but, as has been found expedient in Canada, some practical and recognized authority in economic science.

My Government have had under careful consideration, as a useful step towards industrial harmony, the promotion of voluntary profit-sharing, with a reasonable share for the employees in the business in which they are employed in all suitable industrial enterprises, by means of a new system of State guarantee of the capital required by the workers, on condition that the workers and employers jointly indemnify the State against loss.

The report of the Mines Commission has been received, which, together with the evidence, will be duly placed before you. My Advisers will submit important proposals for the benefit of those working in the mines and for the improvement of this important industry.

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

Experience has shown that the present electoral law is not working satisfactorily, and that in practice many people entitled to vote are disfranchised. Substantial changes in our electoral law will therefore be submitted for your consideration.

My Advisers recognize that the time has arrived for a complete revision of the Customs tariff by experts, and upon the scientific lines which have been adopted with such great success in Canada, Germany, and other countries, with a view to a true protective system encouraging suitable local industries, and enabling them to provide fuller employment and better wages for our people. In this connection, too, under the altered system of graduated tax upon the land, sufficient revenue will be obtained to warrant a reduction in the duty on tobacco and on many articles in daily use required by the small farmers, the workers, and their wives and families.

Further concessions will be made in railway-passenger fares for children. Up to five years of age they will travel free, and from five to fourteen years at quarter-rates. This will give greater opportunities to those who can ill afford to pay to secure some change not only for health purposes, but also for the purposes of their occupation and daily life. It is also proposed to revise the railway freight rates with a view to reduction on certain articles affecting the country settlers.

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

In order to promote the further opening-up and development of the country, my Government will continue to actively prosecute the making of railways, roads, and bridges.

My Advisers recognize that the health of the community is a national asset, and should as far as possible be promoted and protected nationally. In furtherance of this object, the principle of the existing system of trained nurses will be extended by providing medical attendance for all those who are not reasonably able to secure the same, whether they be the small farmer or worker, or their wives or children. Convalescent homes will also be established for mothers after maternity.