Legislation Against Discrimination

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30762, 28 May 1965, Page 3

Legislation Against Discrimination

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter)

WELLINGTON, May 27.

Legislation to amend the property law to prevent contractual discrimination on the ground of race, colour or creed would be introduced into Parliament this session, the Governor-General (Sir Bernard Fergusson) said in the Speech from the Throne at the opening of Parliament today.

The effective control of mass media of information— newspapers, radio and television—remaining in New Zealand hands was being considered by the Government, he said.

Changes would be approved in the present law which would legalise the publication of Sunday newspapers.

The Broadcasting Corporation act would be amended to increase the size of the corporation. at present limited to three members, said his Excellency.

Other legislation would define New Zealand’s territorial waters, and establish a further nine-mile exclusive fishing zone. An industrial design council would be set up to promote improved quality of manufactured goods, the spirit of the Trade Practices act would be examined to preserve competition and safeguard public interest. There would be a general speeding-up of the development of power sources. His Excellency mentioned developments in the field of communications, including

“the recent opening of Christchurch airport to large jet aircraft which will increase still further the earnings of overseas exchange by the tourist industry and by Air New Zealand.” The pending introduction of legislation offering the transport department’s services free of charge to local bodies, was mentioned, and he referred to the re-equipment of the railways and the re-shap-ing of railways finances. The establishment of a commission to advise on port development and the movement of goods, he said, would reinforce the good work being done by the Exports and Shipping Council. Maritime legislation would include an amendment to the Shipping and Seamen Act to make provision for the manning scales on oil tankers employed in the coastal trade. Referring to reports on the national water supply and its use and control now being considered by the Govern-

ment, he said: “If the existing legislation is consolidated, provision will be made for a new water resources organisation.”

Land legislation would include amendments to 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.” There would also be a consolidation of the State Advances Corporation Act. Priority would be given the programme for the three-year training of teachers and it would be introduced progressively over five years, beginning in 1966 in the Hamilton and Dunedin teachers’ colleges. Sir Bernard Fergusson said consideration was being given as to whether the Education Act should be amended to revise the present system of administering education up to, and including, the secondary level. The Mental Health act would be consolidated and substantially amended. The control of distribution and supply of narcotics would be clarified and strengthened by a Narcotics Bill. Other items mentioned were: An amendment to the Forest Act to provide for the establishment of forest parks, a consolidation of the Licensing Trusts Act, an Extradition Bill, a Government Service Tribunal Bill, a Building Societies Bill, a Customs Act Consolidation, an amendment to the Decimal Currency Act, an amendment to the Machinery Act (providing for the approval of safety frames for tractors), a revision of the Servant’s Registry Offices Act, an amendment to the Civil Defence Act and the Rating Act, an amendment to the Electoral Act to increase South Island electorates to 25.