JUNE 26] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE 897

Over the past twelve months New Zealand has been able to welcome
a large number of migrants both from the United Kingdom and other
countries of Europe. A further 2,000 displaced persons and refugees
were admitted during this period. An agreement was made with the
Netherlands Government providing for the entry of a number of Dutch
nationals, and a New Zealand Migration Office has been established at
The Hague. My Ministers are confident that the maintenance of a
vigorous immigration programme, in which first preference will be given
to settlers from the United Kingdom, is essential both in developing
our economic resources and increasing our relative security. Action
is being taken to develop the educational services and other facilities
which will aid the assimilation of migrants from European countries,
and help them to settle down happily in our New Zealand society.

The development of the education services to meet the large
increase in the number of pupils enrolling in our schools is being given
special attention. The erection of additional school buildings and
extra class-rooms is proceeding as rapidly as the supply of labour and
material permits.

Although the economy of New Zealand remains buoyant and there
is a sustained demand for our products in overseas markets, it is
nevertheless essential to our continued well-being that we should have
industrial harmony and a spirit of co-operation amongst all sections
of the community.

My Government is determined to continue its efforts to ensure
that the comprehensive system now available for the peaceful settle-
ment of industrial problems is preserved and, where necessary,
improved, and also to ensure that the lawful system of conciliation and
arbitration is not replaced by the use of unlawful direct action in which
intimidation, victimization, force, and violence are the chief
ingredients. The firm and resolute action taken by the Government
in meeting the challenge to our industrial system has resulted in normal
work being resumed in most of the affected industries. To help secure
this result it was necessary to proclaim a state of emergency, and the
policy and actions of the Government will be matters for your
consideration. My Ministers have all along been anxious that the
state of emergency should be determined as soon as this can safely be
done, but up to the present they have been forced to the conclusion
that the time for this action has not yet arrived. They are, however,
keeping the situation continually under review, being conscious of
their responsibility to recommend the repeal or relaxation of the
Emergency Regulations and the termination of the state of
emergency immediately this can prudently be done, having regard
to the public interest and, in particular, the safety of those men and
women directly concerned by the problems of the present crisis.

The response of all sections of the community to the requirements
of the emergency has been most gratifying, but my Ministers feel that
special reference should be made to the remarkably fine service
rendered by the men and women of the Navy, Army, and Air Force,
the men who manned the ships and have served in the Civil Emergency
Organization, and by the members of the Emergency Supplies
Committees, whose work all merits the highest praise.

The cost of this disastrous hold-up has been very great, and the
effect upon the national economy will be widespread. It will not have
been in vain, however, if it is followed, as it is hoped it will be, by a
period of industrial peace and harmony and increased efficiency. The
new spirit which has already been demonstrated encourages the belief
that better times lie ahead. My Government resolved to do all
in its power to promote peace and well-being for all engaged in
industry, the steady improvement of industrial relations, and the speedy
consideration and adjustment of industrial problems by peaceful and
lawful methods.

I commend all these matters to your earnest consideration and I
pray Divine guidance in your deliberations.

By Authority: R. E. OWEN, Government Printer, Wellington.

Price 6d.]