898
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE
No. 30

In terms of its policy of relaxing import controls in so far as this is compatible with the balance of payments and the sound development of the economy, my Government has removed the need for licences for the import of a further list of raw materials, equipment, and finished goods not made in New Zealand. About one-third of the total import trade is now exempt from control.

To assist in the promotion of improved quality in New Zealand manufactured goods, both for export and for domestic sale, legislation will be proposed for the establishment of an Industrial Design Council. My Ministers also consider that if, as is their intention, the spirit of the Trade Practices Act is to be achieved, the present legislation should be reviewed. They are accordingly examining the ways in which competition might best be preserved and the public interest safeguarded.

The commissioning of the Benmore Electric Power Station, and of the inter-Island transmission system, marks a step of outstanding significance in the development of the electricity resources of New Zealand. The demand continues to increase very rapidly and my Ministers have made provision for speeding up the investigation and development of power resources.

In the field of communications also my Ministers are pressing forward with measures to match the other developments in the economy. They are confident that the new Auckland International Airport, which will be in use later this year, and the recent opening of the Christchurch airport to large jet aircraft will increase still further the earnings of overseas exchange by the tourist industry and by Air New Zealand.

In the matter of traffic control, my Ministers will introduce legislation offering the Transport Department’s services free of charge to local bodies. Authorities already using these services will gain materially; any local body now providing its own traffic control will be able, at its own discretion, to take advantage of the new legislation.

In order to maintain the pace of the programme for modernising the railways, locomotives and wagons are being imported in substantial numbers as well as being made locally. Work will start this year on the Kaimai deviation to give improved access to the Bay of Plenty. As a further step in reshaping the Railway finances, my Government has decided to write down the capital liability of the system by £70 million.

A Commission is being established to inquire into and advise on the future development of the country’s ports and the efficient and economic movement of goods to and from and through them. Its study of long-term issues will reinforce the good work being done by the Exports and Shipping Council.

You will be asked to approve legislation to enable New Zealand to adopt the 1960 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and also the 1954 Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil. An amendment to the Shipping and Seamen Act will make provision for the manning scales on oil tankers employed in the New Zealand home trade.

My Government is at present considering reports on the control and use of the national water supply. It anticipates that, if the existing legislation is consolidated, provision will be made for a new Water Resources Organisation.

In the field of Maori affairs my Ministers will continue with the development of techniques and conditions — in education, trade training, farming, housing, and health — by which the Maori people may be helped to participate more fully in the economic and social life of the community. More Maori youths will be given the opportunity to undertake trade training and additional hostel accommodation will be provided. My Ministers also propose to amend the law governing Maori land so that Incorporations will be able to secure more capital to improve their farming operations, especially where reverted lands are involved.