550
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 18

and private undertakings. Although by no means pessimistic regarding
the future of New Zealand, in view of its exceptional natural advantages
and the characteristic energy and determination of its people, my Ministers
are convinced that the difficulties now confronting the Dominion can only
be effectively overcome by considerable sacrifices on the part of all sections
of the population. Past experience has shown that where such sacrifices
are rendered imperative in the interests of national welfare the people of
this country have responded patriotically to the call. My Advisers are
strongly of opinion that a spirit of co-operation and mutual sympathy
will prove a potent factor in enabling the Dominion to overcome the
temporary check in its prosperity.

It is with the deepest regret that I refer to the disastrous earthquake
which recently occurred in Napier and Hastings and the surrounding
district, causing serious loss of life, physical injury, and widespread
destruction of property. I desire to associate myself with you and
all our people throughout the Dominion in expressing our heartfelt
sympathy with those who have been bereaved or injured by this
disaster, or who have suffered thereby material loss. You will be asked
to consider the best means of solving certain urgent problems which
have arisen in connection with the devastated area and its population.

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

The grave economic crisis which this country, in common with most
other countries of the world, is called upon to face has occasioned financial
difficulties for our farmers, a widespread restriction of trade, and consider-
able stringency in national finance, involving, unless prompt action be
taken, a heavy budgetary shortage in the forthcoming financial year. The
difficulties of the present situation have also been accentuated by the
catastrophe in Hawke’s Bay.

You will be asked to consider forthwith measures for dealing with
this problem. Proposals will be placed before you for effecting an altera-
tion in the rate of remuneration of the Public Service, for amending the
law which governs the powers of the Arbitration Court, for providing
for certain increases in taxation, and for the establishment of a Board to
administer the railways, as well as other proposals designed to assist
in surmounting the difficulties of the present situation. Legislative measures
rendered necessary by the recent earthquake will also be submitted for
your consideration. No additional provision for Supply will be necessary
during this special session of Parliament, but you will be furnished
with information relating to the finances of the Dominion for the first
eleven months of the current financial year.

HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND GENTLEMEN
OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,—

At the Imperial Conference which took place in London last year
the Dominion was represented by my Prime Minister and my Attorney-
General. You will have an opportunity of discussing the transactions
of that Conference on papers to be laid before you during your ordinary
session later in the year. During this special session my Ministers do
not propose to submit for your consideration any legislation other than
that of an urgent character.

I earnestly pray that Divine Providence may guide your delibera-
tions, to the lasting benefit of this country and all classes of its people.

By Authority: W. A. G. SKINNER, Government Printer, Wellington.

Price 6d.]