2030
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
No. 55

Representatives by introducing preferential voting as a substitute for the system of second ballots.

My Advisers consider that the time has arrived for so arranging the business of Parliament that it can be done during reasonable hours and with more expedition. Proposals to give effect to this will be submitted.

A Local Government Bill was introduced last session, and circulated during the recess to local bodies throughout the Dominion. Subsequently a Conference of delegates from local authorities was held in Wellington. As a result of their deliberations an amended Bill will be submitted this session, which it is hoped will effectually deal with this difficult and important problem.

It is proposed to amend the Defence Act in the direction of substituting military detention in a camp or barrack in lieu of imprisonment in the case of failure or refusal to parade, or for similar breaches of the Act. This is the practice in Australia. Other miscellaneous alterations in the Act are proposed.

To further facilitate the settlement of the surplus Native lands, my Advisers consider that it will be necessary to make amendments to the Native Land Act, 1909. The functions of the Maori Land Boards will require to be extended, so as to give the presiding officers the powers of Commissioners of the Native Land Court. This, by allowing these officers to deal with questions of succession, will facilitate the working of the Native Land Court, whilst the Judges will be able to continuously carry on the larger sphere of work, such as partitions and the completion of titles to customary lands.

Provision will also be made for strengthening the staff of the Native Land Courts, and, if found necessary, additional Judges will be appointed.

Steps will also be taken to ensure a more expeditious method of dealing with “papatupu” or customary lands, and a number of other amendments will be made in the Act. Care will be taken to prevent speculation in Native lands, and every possible facility will be given in the direction of assisting bona fide settlement.

In order that the areas reserved for the use and occupation of the Maori owners shall be effectively occupied by them, special provision will be made under proper safeguards to assist them financially, and also with advice and instruction in modern methods of farming.

It is the intention of my Advisers to restrict the trafficking in Crown leases that prevails in some parts of the Dominion, and to insure that Crown land is selected and occupied by bona fide settlers. It is also their intention to introduce legislation to prevent speculation in Crown lands, and to promote closer settlement by all practicable means.

It is proposed to introduce important amendments providing for the limitation of areas of land that may be disposed of by will or settlement. Every landowner will be permitted to dispose of a fair proportion of his estate to such eligible devisees as he may select, but it is felt that the time has arrived when large estates capable of subdivision and settlement in smaller holdings should not continue in the possession of individual owners.

Provision for preventing undue aggregation of estates, and restoring the compulsory acquirement clauses by arbitration in the Land for Settlements Act will be submitted.

Legislation will also be introduced providing for the limitation of areas of land that in future may be held and occupied by any one company, person, or family.

In the event of owners of large estates not subdividing their land, power may be taken by the State to resume possession. The land so resumed shall be disposed of under the Land for Settlements Act, with provision that the deferred-payment system will be added.

In the opinion of my Advisers the time has arrived when there should be established central bureaux of information, which will gather the particulars of all the Crown and Native lands open for settlement or about to be opened for settlement, and also collect information regarding private properties that may be for sale or for lease in different parts of the Dominion. The bureaux would be in touch with land agents throughout the country, and could supply all