216

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE

No. 9

The Government has mounted a vigorous programme to ensure that
a continuing supply of reasonably priced building sections will be
made available for private housing and for State rental housing.

This year will see the enactment of forward-looking legislation to
provide for a new approach to preventive and social work services
for children and young persons. This legislation, in the form of a
Children and Young Persons Act, will replace the Child Welfare
Act 1925 and its numerous amendments.

It is my Government's intention to introduce a system for the
regular adjustment of social security benefits. This will ensure that
beneficiaries enjoy the improvements in their real standard of living
to which they are entitled.

The Government is also taking steps to ensure that the aged share
in the increased fruits of prosperity. At present a survey of the
living costs and standards of the aged is being undertaken to
establish a new base for increases in benefits.

A New Zealand Superannuation Bill has been introduced for your
consideration. Ultimately, this will give New Zealanders retirement
incomes which will enable them to maintain the standard of living
they are accustomed to.

My Government is determined that those who need medical services
are given the highest standard of care with the minimum of delay
and cost. The pattern of health expenditure will reflect this deter-
mination. There will also be a comprehensive examination of current
health resources and their administration.

A Bill to repeal and replace the Narcotics Act 1965 will be intro-
duced. This is the first step in the reconstruction of the drug legislation.
It will ensure a more effective attack on this grave social problem.

As foreshadowed by the White Paper tabled last year, legislation
providing for a major revision of the Maori Affairs Act and the
restructuring of the Department of Maori and Island Affairs to meet
the changing social needs of the people will be promoted. Provision
of additional housing for Maori and Polynesian families has been
substantially increased and this policy will continue to receive close
attention. Special attention will also be paid to meeting the needs
of the elderly, particularly in their traditional areas.

My Government has noted with concern the considerable growth in
trading in New Zealand antiquities. This has become so marked that,
not only is precious historical material being exported, but sites are
being plundered and damaged. The Government, therefore, intends
to introduce legislation which will give added protection to both
artifacts and sites.

You have before you the Local Government Bill which was introduced
in the last session. It is my Government's intention to introduce a
further Local Government Bill this session which will amend and
consolidate into one Act the present Municipal Corporations Act and
the Counties Act. Local bodies will be made subject to the Ombuds-
man's jurisdiction.

A Select Committee of Parliament has been established to review
the Electoral Act; legislation will be introduced after its recom-
mendations have been received.

There will be a complete review of the liquor legislation following
the report of the Royal Commission on Liquor. There will be Bills
to revise the matrimonial property law and to provide some protection
of the privacy of the individual.