JUNE 27. THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 2027

During the past twelve months continued progress has marked the opera-
tions of the Department of Agriculture; the usefulness and scope of the
experimental stations have been widened, and the number of demonstration
plots greatly increased. Instruction for youths has been successfully initiated
at our experimental farms, and students now have an opportunity of obtaining
on easy terms practical and scientific training in agriculture. Herds of deep-
milking strains have been introduced from abroad, supplementing the present
valuable stock; and considerable scientific investigation has been carried out
with respect to dairy-produce. Satisfactory progress has also been made with
the bringing into use of what may be termed the refractory soils of the
Dominion.

The year’s production of agricultural commodities has been on an expand-
ing scale. Efforts are being made to open up new markets for New Zealand
produce, and to give better facilities for the transit and marketing of our produc-
tions. With the increasing diversity of rural activities the possibilities of the
agricultural resources of the Dominion are steadily expanding.

My Advisers are devoting themselves to making country life more attrac-
tive, and, to this end, an extended parcels-post, increased facilities for telephonic
communication, and a daily rural mail-delivery are being provided, thus bringing
some of the advantages of city life within reach of the country dweller.

My Ministers have lately extended the scope of meteorological reports. It
is recognized that this Department can be made of further value not only to
the seafaring community, but also to those engaged upon the land.

My Advisers, recognizing the desirability of affording every facility for
transit to workers living away from the congested areas of the larger cities, and
residing in their homes under more healthy conditions, have arranged for more
rapid and regular suburban railway services at low fares.

The question of making higher education more accessible to young men
and women of moderate means has been under the consideration of my Advisers.
By the extension of the system of bursaries, increased facilities have been pro-
vided by the Government for those who have proved themselves worthy to
receive free university education.

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

The estimates have been framed with every regard to economy consistent
with efficiency.

My Ministers have devoted considerable attention to the conditions of
employment of members of the Railway service, and, as a result of careful
investigation, proposals will be submitted in the direction of further improv-
ing the position of the First and Second Divisions of the service.

In view of the fact that it has been successfully demonstrated that our fruit
can be landed in an excellent condition on the London market and that there
is also a demand for it in South America, Parliament will be asked to vote
a sum of money for the purpose of taking up and planting areas of gum-country,
and subdividing such land into areas sufficient to provide homes and fruit
farms for those desiring to follow that industry. These farms can, if desired,
be disposed of under the occupation-with-right-of-purchase tenure.

My Advisers recognize that the time has arrived for some revision of the
Customs tariff in order to reduce the duty on many articles in daily use.

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, my Ministers feel sure, will be appreciated by heads of families.
A revision of the railway freight rates with a view to reduction on certain articles
is also contemplated.

Amendments will be introduced relating to the incidence of the land and
income tax.

The system of graduating the land-tax will be altered so that the rate shall
increase uniformly with the value of the estate. The initial rate will be
reduced so that the lands of low value will receive an abatement. The system