Programme for the Session

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 44, 24 February 1944, Page 4

Programme for the Session

OUTLINE OF NEW LEGISLATION GIVEN (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. In his Speech from the Throne at the official opening of Parliament to-day, his Excellency the Governor-General (Sir Cyril Newall) reviewed at length the activities of the Government and referred to pending legislation. “My Ministers have been fully seized of the importance of affording you an early opportunity of discussing matters relating particularly to the Dominion’s effort in the war and its prosecution, and, in conformity with their advice, this first session of the new Parliament has been summoned as soon as circumstances permitted, ’ ’ his Excellency said. ‘ ‘ Since I last addressed Parliament the war situation in nearly every theatre has shown a vast improvement, and to-day the fortunes of the United Nations engaged in this world struggle against the forces of aggression are in the ascendant. The sustained offensive on land, sea, and in the air has rendered the defeat of Nazi Germany more certain and more imminent. “Tho peoples of the United Nations everywhere fully realise that the phase of supreme effort has now arrived and that bigger and more costly battles are still to be fought. Though our enemies are in retreat, their forces have not yet been overcome and, while final victory is assured, the end is by no means in sight.” MANPOWER NEEDS After dealing with the splendid part played by the New Zealand Forces, his Excellency proceeded: “Among the more urgent matters to be dealt with this session will be a review of the Dominion’s manpower requirements, particularly as regards the balance between the Armed Forces, food production, and other essential commitments. “In accordance with my Government's policy of extending the benefits of the social security legislation wherever practicable, it is proposed to make more adequate provision to meet the payment of domestic or nursing assist-

ance in cases where invalids are maintained in the home. “My Ministers are examining the practicability of assessment for income tax for each year being based on the income earned during that year, and also of providing for payment of the tax being spread over the year. FALLING PRODUCTION “Shortage of labour, lack of fertilisers and adverse climatic conditions in many districts have unfortunately tended to reduce the Dominion’s dairy production. This fact is causing my Government much anxiety and my Minister of Agriculture is at present devoting close attention to tho introduction of a new and comprehensive programme lor increased farm production. “The question of an annual holiday with pay for all workers has received full examination, and a measure will bt submitted to Parliament during its present session. “My Government has under consideration a proposal for the provision of a minimum home and family income ac set out in the principles upon which they were elected. “In preparation for postwar developments in education, it is proposed to convene a conference widely representative of organisations and individuals interested in education. The whole field of education will be open for review, but special attention will be paid to the needs of the pre-school child, the provision of facilities for adolescents, and adult education. LICENSING LAWS “It is the intention of my Ministers in the immediate future to set up a Royal Commission to investigate fully the operation of tho licensing laws of this Dominion and to make such recommendations as it thinks fit with a view to bringing such laws into line with the requirements of modern times. “Matters relating to State superannuation have been receiving the attention of my Government, and a committee of my Ministers has been set up to make an examination into the question of anomalies and to submit recommendations lor any necessary adjustment. “Recognising the desire and the need in the Dominion for a further development of physical welfare and recreation, my Government has under consideration proposals for increased financial resources for this work and more particularly for the establishment of community centres for the people. “My advisers propose to extend the provisions of the War Damage Act, 1941, to include insurance against earthquake damage. “I commend these matters to your earnest consideration and pray that in your deliberations you may be guided by Divine Providence for the safety and well-being of New Zealand and her island territories.” Quick Result. A Norwegian sailor who was recently rescued from drowuing in the Lyttelton harbour owed his life partly to a constablo who had learned to swim only two weeks before. This was reported at a meeting of the Royal Humane Society in Christchurch. Both Philip J. Howe and Constable G. A. Brewer, in going to the rescue cf the man, ran the risk of being caught and smashed between the ship and the piles of the wharf. A framed certificate from the Society is to be sent to each rescuer. Friends of Flight-Sergeant Don Macalister, a former Old Boys’ Cfub and Alauawatu representative Rugby forward will be pleased to know* that he has been making a name for himself in football circles in the Aliddle East, where he is flying with the Royal Air Force. After playing in several Air Force teams against the teams of other units he has been selected, on recent advice to his parents at Palmerston North, to play in a United Services’ team against a South African Spring-