1070
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
[No. 43

As this will be the last occasion upon which I shall have the privilege of addressing you in Parliament assembled, I wish to express to you, and, through you, to the people of both races in New Zealand and in the Island Territories, my deep appreciation of the great kindness which has always been extended to me, as Her Majesty’s Representative, and also to my wife. Throughout the country we have always received every kindness and consideration. We have been welcomed everywhere with sincere friendliness, and our journeys and our meetings with the people will always remain a most happy memory. My wife and I leave New Zealand with feelings of deep affection, and we extend our heartfelt wishes for the future well-being of this fortunate and lovely country.

Monday next, 30 June, will mark the Centennial of the New Zealand Constitution Act. Our people can reflect with pride and satisfaction on the remarkable progress that has been achieved in the hundred years of constitutional government. If they can but recapture the spirit of independence, selflessness, industry, enterprise, and adventure of those sturdy pioneers who laid the foundations of this country so faithfully and so well, then the future of New Zealand is fully assured. As respect is paid to the memory of those pioneers, it should be remembered with gratitude that the people of the United Kingdom last year marked this historic occasion by presenting the chair that is occupied in the House of Representatives by Mr. Speaker.

The Government of New Zealand remains determined to promote in every possible way the prosperity, unity, and influence of the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations. The intimate consultation between Commonwealth members on matters of importance continues to grow. Of particular significance in this regard was the meeting of Finance Ministers held in London last January, at which my Prime Minister represented New Zealand.

Gratifying progress is being made in giving effect to the Colombo Plan. My Minister of Industries and Commerce attended the recent meeting in Karachi of the Consultative Committee, and came back well satisfied that New Zealand’s contributions, through training men and women from Commonwealth countries in Asia, and through economic development projects in India, Pakistan, and Ceylon, are affording welcome and valuable assistance to those countries.

The close co-operation between Australia and New Zealand in matters of defence is demonstrated in the gift by the Australian Government of four Bathurst class minesweepers to New Zealand. These ships will be modernized and will form a valuable addition to the New Zealand Navy. The generosity of the Australian Government is greatly appreciated.

While deeply regretting that rifts in the United Nations rob it of its full effectiveness, my Ministers continue to attach primary importance to the realization of its purposes and principles. This calls for active co-operation by New Zealand as well as all the other members of the United Nations.

My Ministers acknowledge with gratitude the services of the New Zealand Navy and Army forces in Korea, where, under the United Nations flag, they are sharing in the common effort to resist aggression. Two frigates are serving continuously in the Korean theatre, where they have played an effective part in operations, and gained the highest praise from the United Nations Naval authorities. The scheme for the replacement of troops in Korea after eighteen to twenty-one months’ service in the theatre has worked smoothly and has been so arranged that the efficiency of units in the field is not affected.

My Ministers regret that the fair and reasonable conditions for an armistice put forward by the United Nations have been rejected by the Chinese and North Korean authorities. They nevertheless still continue to hope for the early conclusion of an armistice, and the settlement of the Korean problem in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.