1486
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 43

inspection, enabled many to appreciate the power of the great Service
of which those ships form a part, and to which New Zealand has so
recently owed the preservation of its trade and commerce during war.
In one ship of the Squadron, the light cruiser “Dunedin,” New Zealand
has a special interest, since that vessel, of the most modern design, has
been selected by the Admiralty to replace the “Chatham” in the New
Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. I was also glad, with my Ministers,
to welcome the presence in the Squadron of the “Adelaide,” one of the
ships of the Royal Australian Navy. The subsequent voyage of the
Squadron along the coasts of the Western Samoan Islands, and its stay
for a time off Apia, has afforded great satisfaction to my Ministers
and to the Administration of the Islands. It was of special importance
that the Natives of Samoa should have the opportunity thus provided
for them.

The British Empire Exhibition at Wembley, recently opened by
His Majesty, is attracting great numbers of visitors not only from the
people of Great Britain but also from all the territories of the Empire.
The principal object of the Exhibition—to provide specimens of the
products of the various parts of the Empire for the inspection of those
interested in the relative trades—will be completely served so far as
this Dominion is concerned by the efforts of our country to ensure
a complete exhibit of its products; and my Ministers have reason to hope
that the financial results will not disappoint the Governments who have
rendered themselves responsible for the large expense involved. My
Ministers availed themselves of the voluntary services of a number of
gentlemen in New Zealand who agreed to act as an Advisory Council.
The Dominion is much indebted to those gentlemen for the interest they
showed and the care and attention they gave to ensure the full representa-
tion of our principal industries. On their advice Mr. A. F. Roberts was
appointed New Zealand Commissioner to the Exhibition.

The British Nationality and Status of Aliens in New Zealand Act
of your last session, which was reserved for His Majesty’s assent, has
recently received the Royal approval and has become part of the law of
New Zealand, and is also now operative under our mandatory authority
in Western Samoa.

Very satisfactory progress has been made for the Relief of Discharged
Soldier Settlers by the Dominion Board established by the legislation of
last session. With the assistance of the District Revaluation Committees
the Board has been able to consider a very large number of applications,
and my Ministers trust it will be found that the process of revaluation and
reduction of rent and interest, and, in some cases, of capital, will enable
the majority of our discharged soldiers settled on the land to look forward
to success with renewed hope. It has for some time been recognized that
the main difficulty arises in cases where the land was purchased by the
soldiers themselves from private individuals, with a first mortgage to the
Crown for its advance, and subsidiary mortgages to the vendors. In a
number of instances of this class the Board has been able to effect
satisfactory arrangements as between the mortgagor and the second
mortgagee. The policy established by the Act, together with the
approaching termination of the general mortgages extension, necessitated
the increase (provided by your Act of last session) of the maximum amount
permitted under the State Advances Act from £2,000 to £3,500 for
settlers, and from £750 to £1,250 for workers, and the increase by
£2,250,000 of the authorization of loan for advances to settlers and
workers. Applications for advances have been received far in excess of the
increased authorization. The success of the efforts of the State Advances
Department to cope with the increased demand is exemplified by the fact
that during the financial year ended the 31st March loans to the amount of
£8,066,202 were authorized, and £6,205,686 actually paid. Further moneys
are being supplied to the Office, and constant effort is maintained
to deal speedily with all applications.