In recognition of the increasing importance of the application of research in the primary and secondary industries, the Royal Commission on the State Services has been asked to give special consideration to the organisation of the nation’s scientific services.

Some controls which were inhibiting the economic development of the transport industry have already been relaxed and further ways of promoting freer competition will be investigated. The modernisation of railway rolling stock is being pressed forward; a substantial proportion of the new equipment is being built in New Zealand.

Every effort will continue to be made to raise the standards of safety on New Zealand roads. A consolidation and revision of the Transport Act will be introduced.

Construction of the international airport at Mangere, Auckland, is well advanced and the airport at Momona, Dunedin, has been opened. My Government will provide for the further development of Tasman Empire Airways by negotiating for additional traffic rights in overseas countries.

The first section, between Australia and New Zealand, of the trans-Pacific telephone cable being constructed by Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand will shortly be opened and the New Zealand-Canada section is scheduled for completion by the end of 1963. A further cable, to link with Commonwealth countries in South-East Asia, should be in use by 1966.

Last year I had the pleasure of visiting the Cook Islands, where once again my wife and I were received with the utmost kindness and hospitality. It was also my privilege to pay the last official visit of a Governor-General to the Trust Territory of Western Samoa.

On 1 January this year the Territory attained its independence, thus bringing to fulfilment the cooperation of the Samoan people, New Zealand, and the United Nations. My Government will work closely with the new State and, on a basis of friendship, will provide assistance in administration and international affairs.

Increased local responsibility has been granted to the Cook Islands and Niue. In future their respective Assemblies will take full responsibility for the appropriation of their annual subsidies and of their own revenues. You will be asked to consider an amendment to the Cook Islands Act.

A Bill will be submitted to you, on the lines of that introduced last year, providing for a Parliamentary Commissioner to investigate grievances of the private citizen against administrative decisions. A Bill of Rights will also be introduced.

The amount of crime, particularly by young offenders, continues to be a source of deep concern and my Government is determined to take all possible measures to protect the community. A detention centre has been opened and an accelerated building programme inaugurated to provide for offenders sentenced to detention. The expansion of child welfare services will continue in an endeavour to combat the causes of juvenile delinquency at the earliest possible age. You will be asked to consider legislation enabling young offenders to be detained for periods outside normal working hours during which they will be required to do useful work in the community.

A measure will be introduced to consolidate and rewrite the statutes governing the sale of intoxicating liquor with the aim of removing anomalies, making the law more easily ascertainable and bringing it more into line with the wishes of the people.

You will also be asked to consider a Bill completely revising the vagrancy law and amendments to the legislation relating to copyright, indecent publications, matrimonial proceedings, and the liability of occupiers for injury sustained by visitors to their premises.

My Ministers will give immediate attention to the comprehensive report and recommendations of the Commission on Education, which will shortly be published and will serve to emphasise again the importance of education as an essential investment in the future well-being of the nation. Consultations will be held with the local controlling authorities, teachers’ organisations, and other interested groups.