JUNE 27] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE 835

recognition that adequate housing is a primary need for ex-service men and women and their dependants. My Government have therefore continued, as far as available supplies of building materials and labour will permit, to assist ex-service men and women to build their own homes or, alternatively, to purchase existing dwellings. My Ministers propose to continue their lending policy for these purposes and to accelerate the building of State rental houses and flats, of which 50 per cent. are reserved for ex-servicemen and women.

The affairs of my Maori people will continue to receive that care and attention which have ever been bestowed upon them. Consideration will be given to the settlement of the unsatisfied claims in respect of which Commissions or other judicial tribunals have recommended some monetary or other form of relief. My Government will continue to pursue with vigour the development of Native lands and their settlement by their Maori owners. The utilization of Native land, it is hoped, will be increased by instruction now being given by the Native Department in various forms of horticulture.

In October last a widely representative conference on education was held. The Conference dealt exhaustively with pre-school services, youth services, adult education, religion in education, and rural education, and many of its recommendations have been put into effect. Committees have been appointed to deal with recommendations concerning adult education and pre-school services.

The problem of apprenticeship and the re-organization of trade-training facilities to meet post-war requirements, which has been engaging the attention of my Government for a considerable time, resulted in the setting-up of a Royal Commission to investigate the matter and bring down recommendations. The Commission has presented its report, and my Ministers are now considering the question of introducing legislation embodying its recommendations.

In order to remove a measure of distortion from the economic structure of the Dominion, adjustments have been made in the remuneration of wage-earners and other sections of the community; but my Government are resolutely adhering to their policy of stabilizing wages, costs, and prices, because in their opinion it is essential for the successful rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and for the present and future welfare of the entire community.

With the prospect of sufficient professional and technical personnel becoming available, my Ministers are endeavouring to complete arrangements for the introduction of benefits under the Social Security Act in respect of laboratory services and of dental services. The latter benefits will at the outset necessarily be limited to their application to children and young adults.

My advisers hope to conclude arrangements for the provision of free ambulance services throughout the Dominion similar to the free services already provided by voluntary agencies in several districts.

When I last addressed you I indicated that my Government had under consideration a proposal for the provision of a minimum home and family income. A measure giving effect to this proposal will be placed before you during this session.

A measure will also be introduced to provide for the acquisition by the State of the privately-owned shares in the Bank of New Zealand.

My Government have under consideration legislation empowering them to acquire and operate the internal commercial air services of the Dominion.

Bills will also be laid before you relating to scientific and industrial research, superannuation, workers’ compensation, and other subjects; and for the consolidation and amendment of the laws dealing with nurses and midwives registration and with factories.

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your deliberations.

By Authority: E. V. PAUL, Government Printer, Wellington.

Price 6d.] B