JUNE 27.

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

2031

particulars of land and their values, thus affording valuable aid to those interested. If bureaux of this description were established, they would first of all place those in search of land in possession of many important facts, and they could at once proceed to that locality which contained the class of land they were seeking. Legislation will be submitted accordingly.

In view of the great importance of agriculture, my Ministers propose to make provision for the establishment of agricultural colleges and additional experimental farms, and also for the further introduction of dairy stock from abroad.

Legislation will be submitted in the direction of providing that workers in the different centres may acquire cottage farms from the State sufficiently near their usual work to enable them to profitably employ their spare time in fruit-growing, dairying, and market gardening.

Having regard to the great influence the railways of the Dominion exercise on the general progress and settlement of the country, and on the development of its natural resources and commerce, my Advisers are of opinion that the time has arrived when it is desirable and expedient to modernize the management of this great State enterprise. The successful management of an undertaking of such magnitude demands the employment of an expert, who, as well as being thoroughly familiar with the utilization of the railway as a means of stimulating land-settlement, is also closely acquainted with and experienced in modern railway management as practised in other countries. As the age-limit of the present General Manager of the Railway Department and other responsible officials is approaching, it is proposed to reorganize the management, and to take steps to invite from abroad applications from gentlemen qualified to fill the position of General Manager. Legislation will be required to give effect to these proposals, and an amendment to the Government Railways Act will be submitted accordingly. This will make provision for the payment to the General Manager of an adequate salary which, it is hoped, will induce first-class railway officials to compete for the position.

My Advisers recognize the necessity for securing the greater safety of those who travel by sea, and the better protection of those who are engaged in loading and discharging steamers at our ports. Several new measures in that direction will be submitted for your consideration.

The first year's operations of the National Provident Fund have led my Advisers to consider the desirability of enlarging the scope of this measure of social insurance. The system will be extended to enable local bodies to secure superannuation or other benefits of the Act for their employees; and employers generally will be granted facilities to assist their employees in taking advantage of the Fund.

The efforts of the friendly societies in providing for their members and their families will be encouraged, and it is intended to introduce legislation to enable a subvention to be paid by the State to friendly societies upon terms that will encourage the operations of these beneficent organizations.

The Report of the Royal Commission on Mining, which was laid before you last session, has been considered, and Bills embodying the recommendations made are being prepared and will be duly laid before you.

Legislation dealing with old-age pensions will be submitted, fixing the age for women at sixty years.

A Bill will be introduced amending the Police Force Act in certain directions, and remedying omissions in the original Act of 1886.

Recognizing the important bearing that the health of children has not only on the efficiency of the instruction given in the schools, but also on the future development of the race, my Advisers have resolved to initiate a system of medical inspection of school children.

In order to promote further educational progress, proposals to amend the Education Act will be submitted.

My Advisers hope to make further extensions in the direction of free university education, so that the clever children of the Dominion will be able, by reason of intellectual ability alone, to climb, without cost to themselves or their parents, from the lowest to the highest rung of the educational ladder,