GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

Northern Advocate, 16 February 1912, Page 4

GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

IN OPTIMISTIC TONE

In the course of his speech in the House of Representatives 'his afterncon, his Excellency the Governor, Rt. Hon. John Poynder Dickson-Poynder, Baron Islington, said that- the New Zealand outlook was most promising and that contentment and happiness obtained everywhere. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. A Bill would be introduced providing Mr reforms in the financial conditions of local bodies, and the construction and maintenance of roads would be put on a more satisfactory footing. COUNCIL CONSTITUTION. A Bill would be introduced providing for a portion of the Legislative Council members to be elected by the members of the Provincial Councils to be created by the new Local Governments Bill.

A proportion would bo elected by the members of the House of Representatives and fi certain number would be nominated by the 'Government. The Bill would be referred to the local public r odies for consideration and report. BURSTING UP BIG ESTATES. Legislation was intended giving the Crown power to take large freehold estates compulsorily, at a price to be fixed by the Lai-d Purchase Board. Tho Bill would provide that the land so resumed shoald be sold to small settlers under a deferred payment system. NATIVE LANDS. In order to expedite the settlemer/c of Native lands the staffs of the Native Land Courts and of surveys would be increased LIVING AREAS. The existing system with regard to the limitation of area would be revised, and provision would tt. , made t'er standards --[' li\inu aroas. based not', merely upon the productiveness, but also upon the position, roaming, etc., and all other main considerations affecting the arcis in cue-lion. These standards would be so fixed m. to give an area which, properly worked, would

provide on a safe average ample means of subsistence for a man, his Wife, and family and a sufficient margin for saving. GRADUATED LAND TAX. The Graduated Land Tax would be adjusted and made more uniform, the rates being increased from the point of £300,000 unimproved value upSOCIAL AFFAIRS. It was proposed to create a Standing Commission of Industrial Investigation, to inquire into any questions affecting the ccst of living, the existence of monopolies, and other pressing problems, including the questions Of unemployment and sickness invalidity. PROFIT-SHARING. The Government had under consideration, as a useful step towards Industrial harmony, the promotion of Vf'iWntary profit-sharing,- with a reasonable* share for the employees in the business in which they are employed in all suitable industrial enterprises. REDUCED" RAILWAY RATES. Concessions would be made in rail"way passenger fares for children. Up to five years of age they would travel free, and from five to 14 years at quarter rates. It was also proposed to revise the railway freight rates, with a view to reducing on certain articles affecting the country settlers.