22 JUNE]

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE

The progressive development of our resources of electric power
is an important factor both in our expanding economy and in the
steady improvement of our living standards. During this financial
year work will commence on the construction of a new power-station
at Braeburn, in the Nelson district. Work is also continuing on the
use of geothermal steam for the generation of electric power, which
when developed will make a useful contribution to the requirements
of the North Island.

The high level of demand for labour has been sustained and is
matched by a high degree of industrial harmony throughout the
country. My Minister of Labour is in constant touch with representatives
of all sections of industry in efforts to promote understanding
and agreement. It is highly satisfactory to be able to record that,
since the waterfront strike in 1951, the output of work on the
waterfront has increased by 25 per cent, notwithstanding a decrease
of 1,000 in the number of registered workers. The Waterfront
Industry Act, passed by Parliament last session, not only establishes
Commission and Tribunal control of the industry on a permanent
basis, but includes measures designed to improve the standard of
amenities on the waterfront and to attract the best class of worker
to the industry. My Government wishes to place on record its
appreciation of the efforts of all sections of the industry during the
past three years.

My Government will continue its policy of selective immigration
so as to bring into the country in reasonable numbers people who
can be readily assimilated and who are able to offer some worthwhile
contribution towards our national development.

The vigorous action which followed the National Housing
Conference held last year is an earnest of my Government's
determination to deal with the housing problem. The new approach
to this problem has yielded a record number of new houses during
the financial year just ended and, in order to keep up the momentum,
the present drive will be maintained.

It is a source of pleasure to my Ministers that a large proportion
of our ex-servicemen of the Second World War has received assistance
sufficient to complete their rehabilitation into civilian life. Total
expenditure in this field now exceeds £180 million, of which more
than £138 million has been advanced by way of loans. The sense
of responsibility evinced by ex-servicemen in meeting their commitments
is highly satisfactory and reflects the desire of these men to
place their affairs on a sound basis. My Government appreciates the
valuable services of those many persons who have assisted in various
ways in meeting the needs of our ex-servicemen.

Consideration has been given to measures that can be adopted
to improve the administration of our social services. A report has
been submitted by the Consultative Committee on Hospital Reform,
and their recommendations are now being studied.

During the past year the rates of benefits under the social security
scheme have been reviewed. In general, increases of 10s. per week
have been granted in respect of those benefits which are subject to
an income qualification, while corresponding increases have also been
made in the rates of war pensions and war veterans' allowances.

Recognizing that the welfare of the Maori people is of paramount
importance, my Government has been giving special attention to land
settlement, employment, education, health, and housing. Improvement
in health and living standards has followed the provision of better
houses, a record number of which has been made available to the
Maori people during the past year. Prime importance is attached
to the community aspects of Maori life and welfare, and in dealing
with particular problems my Minister of Maori Affairs is concerned
to see that close liaison with tribal executives is maintained.