21 JUNE THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE 873

The reconstitution of the university system along the lines recommended by the Committee on New Zealand Universities is to be completed this year. This involves the dissolution of the University of New Zealand; the constituent university institutions then become four autonomous degree-granting universities with two associated university colleges of agriculture. Bills will be introduced to implement these changes.

My Ministers are ever conscious of the vital need to protect the freedom of the individual and to maintain a balance between individual rights and public welfare. A Bill of Rights will be submitted to you. You will also be asked to consider legislation establishing an authority, responsible only to Parliament, to which the citizen aggrieved by administrative action can bring his complaint. A review of all legislation and regulations of the last 25 years has been initiated with a view to abolishing unnecessary restrictions on freedom.

You will be invited to approve further changes in the licensing legislation, based on some of the recommendations of the Select Committee. This will be preparatory to a general revision of the law.

The Crimes Bill and associated legislation will be reintroduced.

My Ministers have examined the measures, including a greater degree of financial autonomy, necessary for the Post Office to develop its services in an expanding economy. They are convinced that these measures will increase incentives and efficiency and provide a better service to the public.

Television services have been expanded in Auckland and are now being introduced in Wellington and Christchurch. A Committee established by my Government has taken evidence on the problems presented by this new medium of information, as a preliminary to the preparation of legislation for your consideration.

My Ministers attach particular importance to the cooperation and support of voluntary organisations in measures to improve the health of the people and the welfare of the individual. The churches, the Plunket Society, and other agencies have a vital role to play in the care of the young and the aged. My Government’s efforts to meet the challenge of juvenile delinquency can succeed only if they have the backing of all people of goodwill. In the cultural field voluntary efforts have recorded outstanding achievements in the theatre, literature, and music; these efforts can count on continued Government support.

You will be asked to appoint a select committee to examine ways of expediting the business of this House. Additional Bills for your consideration will include a Government Railways Amendment Bill, an Engineers’ Associates Bill, a Mental Health Amendment Bill, and amendments to the Chiropractors Act, the Social Security Act, the War Pensions Act, the Child Welfare Act, the Land Transfer Act, the Local Government Commission Act, and the Cinematograph Films Act.

All these matters I commend to your careful consideration and I pray that Divine guidance will attend your deliberations.

Price 6d. BY AUTHORITY: R. E. OWEN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND—1961