2558
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 106

Wytschaete, in which the troops of the various Dominions took so large a part, give assurance that in whatever further tasks may be allotted to them they will not fail. All New Zealand has been stirred by the story of the capture of Messines by the brave men who left our own shores.

In the early part of the present year Germany adopted a policy of unrestricted and indiscriminate submarine warfare. The development has failed in its principal object of reducing Great Britain and France to submission by starvation; but the large addition to the number of German submarines has increased the danger to shipping and the number of losses, with the result that the Imperial Government has found it necessary to requisition for Imperial necessities ships formerly exclusively engaged in the carriage of produce from the Dominions to the Mother-country. The consequent reduction of the ordinary facilities for export of New Zealand produce, especially frozen meat, wool, butter, and cheese, has occasioned inconvenience and anxiety, and has been the subject of constant communication between my Ministers and the Imperial Government. It is impossible to forecast the tonnage which will be available for New Zealand exports, but there is reason to hope that the position may prove more satisfactory than was at one time anticipated.

In common with every other part of the Empire, this Dominion is deeply impressed by and grateful for the determination of the great English-speaking people of the West to assist the cause of freedom and right. It would be difficult to measure the material, financial, and moral support which the United States has already provided, and will provide in the future.

The administration of the occupied Samoan Islands has been efficiently carried out, and there is every reason to believe that the Native population is happy under British control, and has no desire to revert to the conditions which prevailed prior to the occupation by New Zealand troops.

I have recently informed my Ministers that the Secretary of State for the Colonies has assured me that the Imperial Government fully realize the vital importance to this Dominion of the destiny of the German colonies in the Pacific, and that when the time comes for decision the fullest consideration will be given to the wishes of the New Zealand Government.

Voluntary recruiting has continued with considerable success, but since last November has been insufficient in itself to provide the reinforcements required, and it therefore became necessary to bring the Military Service Act into operation. The loyal and whole-hearted support of the Act by the people of this country has been of incalculable assistance to my Ministers. The men drawn in the ballot have also, by their ready response to the call for service, removed most of the difficulties which might have been expected at the initiation of a system without precedent in New Zealand.

A new departure has been made in the establishment of the National Efficiency Board. The gentlemen composing the Board and many others comprised in the organization have gratuitously given their time and experience to the State, and I feel sure that their patriotic services are fully appreciated by the people of this Dominion.

At the invitation of the Imperial Government, responsible statesmen of the Dominions and of India met recently in England to confer on the present difficulties and future constitution of the great Empire to which we belong. The attendance of my Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance at this Imperial Conference has enabled them to obtain information of value to my Government and to this Dominion.

The presence of my Ministers with the Responsible Ministers of other Dominions at meetings of the War Cabinet was an event remarkable in our history. It indicates the recognition by the Imperial Government of the growth of the Dominions, the responsibilities of Empire, and the right of the Dominions to representation when issues vital to their safety and interests may be under consideration.

I have been glad within the last two days to welcome home my two Ministers and their families, and am confident you will find the course of