10 JUNE
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
741

satisfactory rate, there is full employment, and consumer prices are
reasonably stable. My advisers are confident that, although adjust-
ments and a measure of increased effort will be necessary, the resources
of the country and the skills of its people will ensure the steady growth
of the economy.

My Government intends to proceed with the development of virgin
Crown land suitable for farming in an endeavour, first, to complete
the rehabilitation of our ex-servicemen as quickly as possible, and
then to provide farms for young farmers and others seeking to be
settled on the land. You will be asked to consider proposals to amend
existing legislation affecting the promotion of land settlement.

During the past year the requirements of our steadily developing
economy have fully taxed our building and construction industry.
These demands have been intensified by the heavy flooding which so
disastrously affected certain parts of the country. My Government
acknowledges the invaluable effort contributed by organisations and
individuals alike in meeting the urgent and serious problems that arose
and will continue to give a high priority to the restoration, in associa-
tion with local authorities, of public services and communications
in the areas concerned.

Improved safety conditions in coal mines will be the subject of pro-
posals to be placed before you following the inquiry into the disaster
at the Renown Colliery in 1955.

The vital importance of adequate electric power resources to indus-
try and to the general well-being is recognised by my Government’s
endeavours to accelerate the completion of all projects under construc-
tion and to promote the orderly development of a sound programme
for the future.

In the field of commerce you will be asked to consider a Bill intro-
ducing certain measures relating to trade practices, and a Bill designed
to improve certain aspects of the motor-spirits distribution industry.

A good record of industrial relations has been maintained and my
Ministers are gratified with the growing awareness of a common interest
in measures to increase production.

You will be asked to consider a Bill revising the requirements of the
Scaffolding and Excavation Act 1922, in the light of the findings of the
Royal Commission of Inquiry which submitted its report last year.

My Government’s financial proposals and estimates of expenditure
for the current year will in due course be placed before you. These will
of course be designed to supplement measures already introduced to
maintain stability and assist in the rebuilding of exchange reserves. My
Ministers recognise the importance of encouraging saving by our people
and are gratified at the present record level of small savings in Post
Office accounts.

New Zealand is on the threshold of a new era in technical education.
My Ministers hope to place before you during this session a Bill intro-
ducing improved measures for the examination and certification of
technicians. My Government also intends to set up a Royal Commission
to examine all phases of our education system.

Child welfare is a primary concern of my advisers and steps have
been taken to increase the number of skilled staff available for work
in this field. Changes in the social security scheme will be the subject
of a Bill to be placed before you, including the removal of the means
test on the earnings of blind beneficiaries, and provision for the payment
of benefits generally on a four-weekly basis.

The well-being of the Maori people will be advanced by all
practicable means available to my Government. In addition to the
emphasis that will be placed on housing and land development, special
encouragement and opportunity will be provided to Maori youths to
train for skilled occupations. My Government gratefully acknowledges
the continued help given by tribal committees and executives, and by
the Maori Women’s Welfare League, in social work among the Maori
people.