DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1923 Session I-II, A-01

1

Ordered to be printed and published in the Appendices by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 7th November, 1923. Session 11. 1923. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

INDEX.

No. 1. New Zealand, No. 36. Sir,- — Government House, Wellington, 6th February, 1922. With reference to your despatch, No. 231, of the 23rd November, I have the honour to inform you that while the Government of New Zealand appreciate the invitation extended to them to participate in the Third International Congress on Instruction in Domestic Economy to be held in Paris this year, they regret that they will be unable to send a delegate to the Congress. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

I—A. 1.

No. of Scries. Date. Subject. Page. 1 1922. Feb. 0 Representation of New Zealand at the Third International Congress en Instruction in Domestio Eoonomy Practice in regard to the property of Austrian subjects in financial distress Proposed establishment of a system of aooounting in connection with the parcel-post service between New Zealand and the United States of America British Empire Exhibition .. Imperial heavy-paroels-post scheme Synopsis of the Acts passed during the third session of the Twentieth Parliament of the Dominion of New Zealand International Refrigeration Convention Maintenance Orders (Faoilities for Enforcement) Act, 1921 International Customs Tariff Bureau .. Treatment of seamen suffering from venereal diseases Nurses Registration Act, 1919 Resolution passed by the Board of (lie .Northern Peace League re the adoption of English as an auxiliary world language L'pfcop of the Imperial Institute Now Zealand History of the War, Volume III .. Washington Conference Conference on the Limitation of Armaments Near East: Desire of New Zealand to associate herself with the Mother-land I lifer of services of Commercial Diplomatio Officers Represent a! ion of New Zealand at tho Fourth International Congress on Roads .. Note from the United States Ambassador regarding the World's Dairy Congress Imperial Forestry Bureau .Joint Select Committee on the Guardianship, &e., of Infants Bill, Inquiry of the Synopsis of the Acts passed during the fourth session of the Twentieth Parliament of New Zealand in 1 I 2 3 7 „ 22 ice 2 . 2 1 5 li Mar. ■! ,, 7 ,, 22 lu2 3 3 7 8 9 Hi 11 12 „ 23 April 3 0 „ 7 ■ June 6 „ 10 sh 12 13 13 13 13 1 15 13 U 15 Hi 17 18 111 20 21 22 23 Sept. 1 4 „ 7 „ 14 „ 23 » 27 ., 27 Oct. 3 3 Nov. 0 Dec. 15 (-ii10 10 10 Hi !7 17 17 18 18 18 v 19

A.—l.

2

No. 2. New Zealand, No. 38. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th February, 1922. With reference to your despatch, No. 240, of the 29th November, 1921, I have the honour to inform you that, as stated in paragraph 5 of my despatch, No. 224, of the 20th October, 1921, the Government of New Zealand has decided to follow the practice of the Imperial Government in regard to the property of Austrian subjects in financial distress. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 3. New Zealand, No. 51. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd February, 1922. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, No. 253, of the 16th December, 1921, regarding the proposed establishment of a system of accounting in connection with the parcel-post service between New Zealand and the United States of America. 2. The information supplied by you is much appreciated by my Ministers, and representations on the subject will again be made to the United States Post Office Administration. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 4. New Zealand, No. 60. ♦ Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 4th March, 1922. I have the honour to inform you that the information contained in your despatch, Dominions No. 505, of the 23rd December, relative to the forthcoming British Empire Exhibition, has been duly noted by my Ministers. 2. My Government consider that a useful purpose will be served by the visit to the self-governing Dominions of the gentlemen comprising the mission, as many matters of interest and importance to the Dominions concerned can be discussed, plans for co-operation examined, and decisions in connection therewith arrived at promptly. 3. My Prime Minister assures me that the Government of New Zealand will be very pleased indeed to facilitate the work of the mission in this country by all possible means. 4. Ministers note that from the proposed itinerary the mission plans to spend about six weeks in New Zealand, and it is considered that this should prove sufficient for the objects in view. During this time a responsible officer of the Department of Industries and Commerce will be attached to the mission for the purpose of assisting and advising the members on matters of local importance, and an itinerary will be arranged, to include visits to the principal business centres throughout the Dominion, providing opportunities for their getting in touch with some of the principal industrial activities of the country. 5. In view of the Imperial nature of the work upon which the mission will be engaged, my Government will be pleased to grant free transport to the members of the mission over the New Zealand Government railway-lines. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

3

A.—l

No. 5. New Zealand, No. 62. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th March, 1922. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 457, of the 10th November, regarding proposals for an Imperial heavy-parcels-post scheme, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers concur in the scheme outlined in the Board of Trade's memorandum dated June, 1918, that details as to the charges to be levied and the general conditions that would govern the wording of the scheme in this Dominion will be considered later by the Government of New Zealand, and that in New Zealand it would be necessary to restrict the service to the principal towns served by railway or steamer. 2. My Prime Minister desires to add that the New Zealand Government regrets that it does not see its way to incur the expense of supplying officers to assess and collect duties in various out-ports and other places in the United Kingdom, as the amount so collected would be small compared with the cost of providing the service. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 6. New Zealand, No. 76. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 22nd March, 1922. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying synopsis, prepared by my Attorney-General, of the Acts passed during the third session of the Twentieth Parliament of the Dominion of New Zealand, together with the Acts themselves, which have been duly authenticated with the Seal of the Dominion. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Synopsis of Acts passed by the General Assembly op New Zealand during the Session ended on the 1 3th day of february, 1922. (Note. —Acts Nos. 1 to 5 of 1921 were passod during tho session ended on the 24th Maroh, 1921, and were the subjeot of a separate synopsis.) 1921, No. 6.—The Imprest Supply Act, 1921.—This Act applies the sum of £3,795,125 out of the Public Account, and the sum of £40,130 out of other specified accounts, for the financial year ending the 31st day of March, 1922. The sum of £7,500 is transferred to the Scenery Preservation Account. 1921, No. 7.—The Treaties of Peace Extension Act, 1921. —This Act provides that the Treaties of Peace Act, 1919, shall remain in force until it is specifically repealed. The provisions of that Act relating to Western Samoa are repealed, in view of the Samoa Act, 1921. 1921, No. 8. —The Law Practitioners Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act enables law agents enrolled pursuant to the Law Agents (Scotland) Act, 1873, to be admitted as solicitors of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. 1921, No. 9. —The Rabbit Nuisance Amendment Act, 1921.—This Act modifies the provisions of section 2 of the Rabbit Nuisance Amendment Act, 1918, which provides penalties for failure to destroy rabbits on private land. 1921, No. 10. —The Local Bodies' Loans Amendment Act, 1921. — This Act amends in various particulars the Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1913. Section 2 extends to five years the time within which the authority to borrow moneys conferred on local authorities by ratepayers may be; exercised. Section 4 contains provisions with respect to the exercise by local authorities of the power to hypothecate or mortgage debentures. Section 5 amends the provisions of the principal Act as to investment of sinking funds held by the Public Trustee. Section 6 makes extensive amendments of section 11 of the Finance Act, 1921, which authorizes the modification of the conditions subject to which a local authority may be empowered to borrow moneys. Section 7 extends Part IV of the principal Act as from the Ist April, 1921, by authorizing the guarantee by the State of a portion as well as the whole of a loan.

A.—l

4

1921, No. 11.—The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, 1921. —The object of this Act is the making of better provisions for the appointment of the nominated and acting nominated members of the Court of Arbitration, and for the summoning of acting nominated members to act as the nominated members. 1921, No. 12.—The Hunter Gift for the Settlement of Discharged Soldiers Act, 1921.- This Act makes provision for the administration by a special Board of moneys derived from the sale or Lease of certain lands conveyed as a gift to the Crown by Sir George Hunter, M.P., for the settlement of discharged soldiers. 1921, No. 13.—The Land-tax Amendment Act, .1921. —This Act amends section 5 of the Finance Act, 1921, by making provision for the granting of a rebate of 10 per cent, for prompt payment of land-tax payable under that section. 1921, No. 14. —The Cook Islands Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act makes various amendments of the Cook Islands Act, 1915, and provides, inter alia, for the following matters: (1) The election of members of Island Councils as representatives of the European population ; (2) imprisonment for abduction of girls under the age of eighteen years ; (3) adoptions by Native custom in certain cases, and the adoption of children by Natives; (4) grounds of divorce (which are to be (hose for the time being existing in New Zealand), and extending the divorce jurisdiction of the High Court; (5) restricting the purposes for- which intoxicating liquor may be sold to medicinal, sacramental, and industrial purposes: (6) restricting banking; (7) applying section 32 of the Board of Trade Act, 1919, to the Cook Islands ; (8) enabling Resident Commissioners to sell island products on behalf of planters. 1921, No. 15. —The Orchard-tax Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act extends for five years the operation of the Orchard-tax Act, 1916. 1921, No. 16. —The Samoa Act, 1921.—This Act makes permanent provision for the government of Samoa. It supersedes as from the Ist April, 1922, the Samoa Constitution Older made under the authority of the Treaties of Peace Act, 1919, and of His Majesty's Western Samoa, Order in Council, 1920, and for the most part is a statutory enactment of the provisions of the Constitution Order. The Act provide a code of law for the government of Western Samoa, and is divided into Parts as follows : Part 1, the Executive Government of Samoa ; Part 11, the Legislative Government of Samoa; Part 111, the High Court of Western Samoa; Part IV, the Supreme Court of New Zealand; Part V, Criminal Offences; Part VI, Criminal Procedure; Part VII, Law of Evidence: Pari VIII, Crown Suits; Part IX, Land; Part X, Marriage; Tart XI, Divorce; Pari XII, Persons of Unsound Mind; Part XIII, Intoxicating Liquor; Part XIV, Loads; Part XV, tin; Laws of Samoa —General Provisions; Part XVI, Transitory Provisions. 1921, No. 17- The Impresl Supply Act, 1921 (No. 2).—This Art applies the sum of £3,787,300 out of the Public Account, and the sum of £72,000 out of other specified accounts, for the year ending the 31st day of March, .1922. The sum of £6,500 is transferred lo the Scenery Preservation Account. 1921, No. 18.—The Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1921.—This Act is a consolidation and amendment of the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1911, and the other enactments mentioned in the Second Schedule to this Act, and incorporates amendments of Ihe Imperial law made in the Trade-marks Act, 1919, and the Patents and Designs Act, 1919. The Act is divided into Parts as follows: Part I, Patents; Part 11, Designs; Part ill, Trade-marks; Part IV, General. 1921, No. 19. —The Customs Amendment Act, 1921.- This Act, besides being an amendment of the ('ustoms Act, 1913, abolishes all existing duties of Customs and excuse, and substitutes those set out in the schedules to this Act, the new Customs tariff being container lin the First Schedule. The Customs tariff is, in effect, three different tariffs- the British Preferential Tariff, the Intermediate Tariff, and the General Tariff. The British Preferential Tariff is applied to goods the produce or manufacture of some part of His Majesty's Dominions; the Intermediate Tariff to goods the produce or manufacture of any country (whether part of the British Dominions or not) to which that tariff is applied by Order in Council; and the General Tariff to all dutiable goods to which neither the British Preferential nor the Intermediate Tariff applies. While the Governor-General may by Order in Council apply the Intermediate Tariff to any part of the British Dominions, section 6 provides that he shall not apply the General Tariff to the United Kingdom. Section 7 enables the imposition of duties corresponding with the duties imposed on New Zealand goods. Section 8 authorizes the modification by the Governor-General of the three tariffs within these limits —that no such modification shall impose higher duties than those contained in the General Tariff or less than those; contained in the British Preferential Tariff. Section 9 contains provisions as to suspended duties. Section 11. makes provision for a dumping duty for the protection of local industries. Section 12 empowers the Governor-General, in certain special cases, to alter the tariff in protection of local industries. Section 13 (which is amended by section 18 of the Finance Act, 1922) makes provision for the imposition of a special duty on goods imported from countries with depreciated currencies. Section 14 provides for the imposition in certain cases of a special duty on the importation of goods from foreign countries. By section 16 the production of an invoice with a certificate of origin thereon is made a condition precedent to entry of goods at preferential rates, and by section 17 importers on making entry of goods an; required to state the country of origin of such goods. Section 23 contains special provisions as to valuation of goods for assessment of Customs duties. Section 28 provides for a refund of duty on materials used in the construction of ships, launches, yachts, or boats in New Zealand, but such refund is restricted to duty paid on materials the produce or manufacture of some part of the British Dominions, unless the materials used could not have been obtained at a reasonable price in the British Dominions.

5

A.—l

1921, No. 20.—The Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1921.—This Act, which is made part of the Destitute Persons Act, 1910, is based on and follows closely the Imperial Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1920. 1921, No. 21. —The Death Duties Act, 1921. —This Act is a consolidation, with slight amendments, of the Death Duties Act, 1909, and other enactments mentioned in the Second Schedule to this Act. 1921, No. 22.-The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1921.—This Act authorizes the borrowing of £5,000,000 under and subject to the provisions of tin; New Zealand Loans Act, 1908, for the public works and purposes specified in (he schedule to this Act. 1921, No. 23.—The Banking Amendment Act, 1921. The object of this Act is to enable banks to vary the hours during which their business premises shall be open for business on Saturdays. 1921 22, No. 24.—The Counties Amendment Act, 1921-22.—This Act amends in various particulars the Counties Act, 1920. The amendments are all of minor importance. 1921, No. 25. -The Finance Act, 1921 (No. 2).—This Act is divided into Pails as follows: Part I, Land and Income Tax ; Part 11, Amusements-tax ; Part 111, Duties payable in respect of Race Meetings ; Part IV, Excise Duties. Part 1 (Land and Income Tax) : Section 3 modifies the provisions of the Land and Income Tax Act, 1918, as to taxation of banking companies. Section 4 makes special provisions applicable where oompanies prefer to issue debentures free of inoome-tax. In such oases the income-tax is to be payable by the companies. Section 5 provides for certain deductions from the assessable income of co-operative dairy companies. By section 6 the State Advances Superintendent is required to pay income-tax. Section 8 modifies section 24 of tin' Land and Income Tax Amendment Act, 1920, by relieving local and public authorities, under certain conditions, from the duty of acting as agents of their debenture-holders. Section 9 makes income-tax payable in respect of contracts of insurance effected with persons or foreign companies not carrying on business in New Zealand. Section 1 I makes provision for a rebate of 5 per cent, in respect of prompt payment of income-tax, and section 12 for an allowance by way of interest on income-tax paid in advance. Section 13 empowers the Commissioner of Taxes to allow deductions in respect of contributions by employers to superannuation or benefit funds for employer's. Part 11 (Amusements-tax): Section 14 provides new rates of amusements-tax, and section .15 repeals the exemption from amusements-tax previously enjoyed by certain societies. The principal effect of this is to impose amusements-tax on charges for admission to sports gatherings. Part 111 (Duties payable in respect of llace Meetings) : Section .17 increases from 1 to 10 per cent, the tax on stakes. Section 18 increases dividend duty from 6d. to Is. in the pound. This Part remains in operation until the 31st March, 1924, but provision is made for an extension of that period. Part IV (Excise Duties) : This Part provides for increased rates of duty on beer brewed and tobacco manufactured in New Zealand. 1921-22, No. 26.—The Public Contracts and Local Bodies' Contractors Amendment Act,, 1921 -22This Act, which comes into force on I he Ist April, 1922, makes several minor amendments of the Public Contracts and Local Bodies' Contractors Act, 1908. 1921, No. 27. —The Education Amendment Act, 1921.—This Act amends in various particulars the Education Act, 1914. Section 2 abolishes urban school districts. Sections 4 and 5 contain provisions restricting expenditure by Education Boards out of their rebuilding funds and for unauthorized objects. Section 7 provides for the registration and inspection of private schools. Section 11 requires teachers to take the oath of allegiance. 1.921, No. 28. —The Mental Defectives Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act makes a number of amendments of the Mental Defectives Act, 1911. Section 2 provides for the administration by the Native Trustee of the estates of Natives of unsound mind. Section 4 extends the powers of the Public Trustee. The Public Trustee is empowered by section 7to take proceedings on behalf of mental defectives under the Family Protection Act, 1908 ; by section 8 he may proceed against the committee of a mental defective for a breach of duty, or apply for an injunction to restrain a breach of trust; by section 9 he is empowered to dissolve a partnership of which a mental defective whose estate he is administering is a- member. Sections 10 to 13, which are based on sections 2(il to 265 of Act No. 2687 of the State of Victoria, provide for reciprocity in the matt.'!' of administration of the estates of mentally deficient patients between New Zealand and any other British possession wherein similar laws are in force. Section fl empowers the Public Truster', on the certificate of the proper officer in any such British possession, to administer the property in New Zealand of a mental patient confined in that possession. Section 12 provides that an order or declaration in lunacy in another British possession to which the section has been applied by Proclamation under section 10 shall have the like effect in New Zealand on being resealed in the Supreme Court. 1921, No. 29. —The Native Trustee Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act amends in various particulars the Native Trustee Act, 1920, principally with a view to making the same provisions with regard to the establishment of the Native Trust Office as are made by the Public Trust Office Act, f9OB, with regard to the Public Trust Office. 1921, No. 30.—The Mortgages and Deposits Extension Act, 1921. This Act is divided into Parts as follows: Part I, Mortgages ; Pact 11, Deposits; Part ill, Repeals. Part I (Mortgages) : This Part is an amendment of the Mortgages Extension Act, 1919. Section 2 extends t lie definition of '" mortgagor " contained in the principal Act. Section 3 extends to the 31st December, 1924, the duration of section 4 of the principal Act, which limits the rights of mortgagees under existing mortgages. Sections 5 and (i repeal subsection (4) of section 6 and section 7 of the principal Act, which respectively empowered the Supreme Court to increase the

A.—l

6

interest payable under mortgages and to extend the terms of mortgage in certain cases. Section 7 empowers a trustee mortgagee to grant renewal of a mortgage without application to the Court. Section 8 empowers a mortgagor to repay the principal sum secured by the mortgage when the date for repayment has passed and no agreement for renewal or extension has been made. Section 9 prescribes rates of interest in respect of renewed or extended mortgages. Where the rate specified in the mortgage or a subsequent agreement exceeds til per cent., interest shall continue to be payable at such greater rate. Where the rate specified in the mortgage or a subsequent agreement is 6J- per cent, or less, interest is to be payable at 6-|- per cent., provided that if the date for repayment is a date prior to the commencement of this Act (Ist January, 1922) interest is to be payable at 6J per cent, as from such commencement, and in an\ other ease at the rate provided by the mortgage or agreement. Section io empowers the Court to direct substituted service of notices or other proceedings in certain eases. Part II (Deposits): This Part contains a number of special provisions with respect to deposits with certain institutions. Section I I defines the terms " bank," " borrower," " contract of deposit," " due date," and " lender " for the purposi sof this Part. Section 12 extends to the 31st December, 1922, where the amount borrowed from one depositor does not exceed £1,000, and to the 30th June, 1923, where the amount exceeds £1,000, the due date of the contracts of deposit under which such moneys have been borrowed. This extension is declared fcp be in relief of the borrower, who is not entitled to claim such relief unless he duly and punctually complies with the special conditions set out in section 13. By section 15 it is provided that- the right of the borrower to repay in accordance with the terms of the contract of deposit shall not be affected by this Part. Section 16 provides for the application of moneys received on deposit after the commencement of this Act by borrowers holding moneys upon contracts of deposit affected by this Part. All such first-mentioned moneys are to be applied in payment of the moneys payable under the contracts of deposit. Similarly, where incorporated companies issue debentures (othei than mortgage debentures to secure bank accounts) after the commencement of this Act, all moneys received upon such debenture issue are to be applied in repayment of moneys payable under the terms of contracts of deposit affected by this Part. A fine of £100 is provided for each application of moneys in contravention of this section. Part 111 (Repeals) : Section 18 repeals sections 2 and 3 of the Mortgages Extension Amendment Act, 1921. 1921, No. 31. —The Public Holidays Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act amends tin; Public Holidays Act, 1910, by milking special provision for the case of Christmas Day and New Year's Day falling on Sunday. 1921, No. 32.—The Statutes Repeal and Expiring Laws Continuance Act, 1921 (No. 2).—This Art continues in force until the 28th February, 1922, the enactments mentioned in the First Schedule thereto, and repeals the enactments mentioned in the Second Schedule. 1921-22, No. 33.—The Family Protection Amendment Act, 1921-22.—This Act amends section 33 of the Family Protection Act, 1908, by extending to any time before the final distribution of an estate the period within which an application may be made claiming the benefits of that Act in respect of the maintenance of the family of a testator who has not made sufficient provision for them in his will. 1921-22, No. 34.—The Valuation of Land Amendment Act, 1921-22— The principal object of this amendment of the Valuation of Land Act, 1908, is to provide for special valuations of showgrounds or sports-grounds, with a view partially to relieving the bodies controlling such grounds of the burden of land-tax and rates of local authorities. The Act applies only to such grounds as are not used for the private pecuniary profit of any individual or individuals, and does not apply to racecourses. 1921, No. 35. —The Companies Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act amends section 5 of the Companies Act, 1908, by declaring co-operative parties carrying out public works not to be associations or partnerships within the meaning of that section, and amends section 2 of the Companies Amendment Act, 1920, by extending the powers of dairy companies to engage in associated industries. 1921-22, No. 36.— The Local Bodies' Finance Act, 1921-22.—The object of this Act is to provide for and limit borrowing by local authorities for revenue purposes. Section 3 limits to the extent provided therein the power of local authorities to borrow moneys in anticipation of their revenues, and section 4 prescribes the authorities under which they may borrow for any purpose. Sections 5 and 6 make special provisions requiring local authorities to render to the Minister of Finance statements of their liabilities as at the 31st March, 1922, in respect of moneys borrowed in anticipation of revenue, and empowers them to borrow moneys for the discharge of such liabilities. Section 7 empowers the Minister of Internal Affairs to authorize local authorities to borrow moneys under exceptional circumstances —for example, for the purpose of repairing damage by flood, earthquake, or fire. Section 9 requires local authorities to provide for ordinary expenditure for any year out of revenue for that year. 1921-22, No. 37. —The Municipal Corporations Amendment Act, 1921-22. —This Act consists entirely of minor amendments of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1920. 1921, No. 38.—The Imprest Supply Act, 1921 (No. 3).—This Act applies the sum of £3,787,300 out of the Public Account, and the sum of £72,000 out of other specified accounts, for the financial year ending the 31st day of March, 1922. The sum of £6,500 is transferred to the Scenery Preservation Account. 1921-22, No. 39.—The Country Telephone-lines Amendment Act, 1921-22.—This Act amends in various particulars the Country Telephone-lines Act, 1912. The rating-powers of local authorities in respect of telephone-lines are extended : in particular they are by section 3 extended to cover the maintenance and control of telephone-lines. Section 4 authorizes local authorities to arrange with the Government to erect lines, indemnifying the latter against loss.

A.—l

7

1921-22, No. 40.—The Insurance Companies' Deposits Act, 1921-22.—This Act repeals the Foreign Insurance Companies' Deposits Act, 1908, and provides for the lodging of deposits by all companies (whether British or foreign) other than New Zealand companies carrying on in New Zealand the business of insurance against fire, accident, and employers' liability. Part lof this Act provides for deposits by companies already established and carrying on insurance business in New Zealand, and Part II for deposits by companies proposing to commence insurance business in New Zealand. The amounts of the deposits for companies coming within Part 1 arc fixed by the First and Second Schedules. Section 5 fixes the amounts of the deposits to be paid by companies coming within Part 11. The deposits required to be, made by British companies are smaller than those required from foreign companies. 1921-22, No. 41.—The Life Insurance Amendment Act, 1921-22.—This Act amends the Life Insurance Act, 1908. Section 2 makes new provisions with regard to tin; lodging of deposits by lifeinsurance companies. Section 3 makes special provisions as to policies effected on the lives of children, and authorizes insurance companies returning, on the death of a child, the premiums received on any policy. 1921-22, No. 42. —The Factories Act, 1921-22. —This Act is a consolidation, with amendments, of the Factories Act, 1908, and the other enactments mentioned in the Third Schedule to this Act. It comes into force on the Ist April, f922. 1921-22, No. 43.—The Forests Act, 1921-22.—This Act repeals the State Forests Act, 1908, and the other enactments mentioned in the schedule to this Act, as from Ist April, 1922. While consolidating the present law, this Act not only reconstructs its form but makes many new provisions with respect to forests. It, is divided into Parts as follows: Part I, Administration; Part 11, State Forests; Part 111, Licenses, Leases, and Permits; Part IV, Financial Provisions ; Part V, Offences, Penalties, and Incidental Provisions , Part VI, Maori Forests , Part VII, Miscellaneous. Part I (Administration): Section 5 constitutes the State Forest Service, which is divided into two branches —the Professional Branch (under the Director of Forestry) and the Administrative Branch (under the Secretary of Forestry). The duties of the two branches will be determined by the Ministerial head, the Commissioner of State Forests. The functions of the State Forest Service are set out in section 6. Sections 7 to 13 make provisions with regard to the officers of the Forest Service. Section 14 establishes a Forest Advisory Board, consisting of the Director and the Secretary of Forestry, and representatives of various bodies directly interested in forestry —employers and workers in the sawmilling industry, distributors of forest produce, societies whose object is the promotion of forestry, and the Counties Association. Part II (State Forests) : Sections 18 to 22 deal with the setting-apart of lands as permanent or provisional State forests. Section 23 empowers the Minister to carry on industries in relation to forest produce. Sections 25 and 26 deal with the preparation of forest maps and working plans. Section 27 provides for the constitution of fire districts for the protection of State forests. Part 111 (Licenses, Leases, and Permits): This Part provides for the granting of licenses and other rights over State forests, notably licenses to take forest produce, leases (for terms not exceeding twenty-five years) of forest lands for grazing purposes, and permits for temporary occupation of forest lands. Section 30 provides for the payment of royalties and fees in respect of licenses. By section 35 the. granting of timber-cutting rights under other Acts is restricted. Part IV (Financial Provisions) : Section 36 establishes the State Forests Account, into which the moneys speciliorl in section 37 are to be paid. Section 38 specifies the purposes for which moneys may be paid out of the State Forests Account. By section 39 it is provided that revenue from national endowment comprised in State forests shall be paid into the State Forests Account. Section 40 empowers I he Minister of Finance to borrow under the New Zealand. Loans Act, 1908, a sum not exceeding £500,000 for the acquisition of lands for, and the establishment and maintenance of, State forests. Part V (Offences, Penalties, and Incidental Provisions) : This Part defines various offences and prescribes penalties therefor, and, inter alia, authorizes the seizure of forest produce in certain cases. Part VI (Maori Forests) : This Part contains special provisions with regard to Maori forests. Section 59 empowers the assembled owners of Native land, by resolution, to transfer the control of such land to the State Forest Service. Part VII (Miscellaneous) : The principal provision in this Part is section 63, which gives the Governor-General wide powers of making regulations. 1921-22, No. 44.-The Anzac Day Amendment Act, 1921-22.—The effect of this amendment of the Anzac Day Act, 1920, is to provide that Anzac Day shall be in all respects as if it were a Sunday. 1921-22, No.-45.—The Public Expenditure Adjustment Act, 1921-22.—The object of this Act is to effect a saving in public expenditure by reducing the salaries or wages of all persons k with the exception of those mentioned in section 3) in the service of the Crown. The principal exceptions are the Governor-General, the Judges of the Supreme Court, the Judge of the Court of Arbitration, and the High Commissioner for New Zealand. By section 4 the salaries and honoraria of Ministers and members of Parliament are reduced by 10 per cent. With regard to public servants, the decline in the cost, of living was taken as the basis of the adjustment, which operates on the increased rates of remuneration granted by way of bonus or salary increases at various times since the Ist April, 1916, to meet the increase in the cost of living due to the war with Germany. The first reduction dates from the Ist January, 1922, and by section 7 further reductions may be made in certain cases on the Ist July, 1922, and the Ist lanuary, 1923. It is provided by section 9 that the graduated reductions shall not operate so as to reduce the salary of any officer

A.—l

8

below that of any subordinate officer. Section 11 saves the rights of contributors to super annuation funds by enabling those who so desire to continue their contributions as if their salaries had not been reduced, and providing for refund, by way of credit to those who do not so elect, of contributions paid in respect of the amount of salary of which they are deprived by this Act. 1921-22, No. 46. -The Shops and Offices Act, 1921-22.—This Act is a consolidation, with various amendments, of the Shops and Offices Act, 1908, and other enactments mentioned in the Third Schedule to this Act. 1921-22, No. 47.-—The Loan Companies Act, 1921-22. —This Act makes special provisions applicable in the liquidation of loan companies, and rendered necessary by the Mortgages and Deposits Extension Act, 1921. Section 3 requires the liquidator of a building society or mortgage company io make application to the Supreme Court for direction before making any call on shareholders. The Court, if satisfied that the liquidation is the result of the postponement by law of the due date for payment of sums secured by mortgages held by the society or company, and that such sums are mom than sufficient to satisfy the debts and obligations, may, inter alia, direct the liquidator to collect and get in all sums payable to the society or company under the mortgages. By section 4 it is provided that the. Mortgages and Deposits Extension Act. 1921, shall not apply to mortgage companies if the directors so resolve. 1921 22, No. 48.- The Public Trust Office Amendment Act, 1921-22. This Act effects a large number of important amendments of the Public Trust Office Act, 1908. Sections 2to 13 provide for the establishment of local districts and the appointment of District Public Trustees. It is provided by section 8 that each District Public Trustee shall have such of the functions and powers and shall perform such of the duties of the Public Trustee as are delegated to him by writing under the hand of the Public Trustee. Sections 15 to 24 extend the powers of the Public Trustee. The most important of these sections is section 20. Sections 25 to 35 make additional provisions with respect to accounts and investments. Section 36 repeals section 44 of the principal Act, and makes new provisions respecting the registration of shares in companies in the mime of the Public Truster;. Section 37 extends section 4of the Public Trust Oilier; Amendment Act, 1913, which deals with advisory trustees. Sections 38 to 41 amend the provisions of the principal Act dealing with unclaimed land and unclaimed property. Sections 42 to 108 contain miscellaneous amendments of the principal Act, and, inter alia, extend in various directions the powers of the Public Trustee. Section 59 restricts the powers of tenants for life of lands comprised in estates administered by the Public Trustee. Section 61 makes provisions for the protection of beneficiaries, creditors, &c, aggrieved by acts, omissions, or decisions of the Public Trustee. Section 66 restricts the liability of the Public Truster; in respect of rents, covenants, and agreements in leases. Section 67 provides for the resealing in New Zealand of elections to administer granted in British possessions. Section 68 provides for reciprocity of administration with the Public Trustee of England and the Australian States. 1921-22, No. 49.—The Legitimation Amendment Act, 1921-22.—This Act extends the benefits of the Legitimation Act, 1908, firstly, by repealing section I thereof, preventing legitimation in the case where at the time of the birth of any child there existed a legal impediment to the intermarriage of the parents, and, secondly, by enabling the mother to secure legitimation where the husband has died without availing himself of tin; provisions of the principal Act. 1921-22, No. 50.—The Companies Temporary Empowering Act, 1921-22. —This Act, which remains in force for five years, enables companies holding existing deposits as defined therein to create preference shares in exchange for such deposits. 1921 -22, No. 51.—The Arms Amendment Act, 1921-22. —The main object of this Act is to modify in certain particulars the application of the Arms Act, 1920. Special provisions are made with respect to (a) permits issuer! to licensed dealers to procure firearms, &C, (?;) explosives required in blasting operations, and (c) procuring ammunition for sporting-rifles. Section 7 ant horizes rifle clubs to procure ammunition from the Defence Department without a permit under the principal Act. Section 12 provides that the principal Act. in so far as it relates to firearms, may be applied to air-guns. 1921 22, No. 52.—The Harbours Amendment Act, 1921-22. —This Act amends the Harbours Act, 1908. Section 2 extends the powers of Harbour Boards by empowering them to provide waiting-rooms, reading-rooms, dining-rooms, and 'meals for waterside workers, and to make by-laws in respect thereof. Section 1 grants special powers of leasing to the Governor-General in respect of foreshore lands and lands below high-water mark not required for harbour purposes. 1921, No. 53.—The Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act makes special important provisions with regard to interests in land acquired by His Majesty as mortgagee under any mortgage securing moneys advanced under section 6 of the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. 1915, or section 2 of the Discharged. Soldiers Settlement Amendment Act. 1917. Section 3 of this Act provides that where an interest in such mortgaged property is acquired by His Majesty by virtue of the mortgage, such interest shall not merge in any other interest possessed by His Majesty, but, shall enure as a separate estate or interest available for disposal by His Majesty. Section 4 authorizes the disposal of freehold estates by way of sale or renewable lease, and section 5 makes special provisions with regard to such renewable leases. Section 6 provides for the disposal of leasehold estates in land administered by Land Boards, and section 7 for the disposal of leasehold estates. By section 8 interests or estates subject to this Act may be disposed of not only to discharged soldieis, but in certain special cases to other persons. Section II provides for payment into the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account of moneys receivable under this Act. Section 13 provides that. pending permanent disposal, property may be disposed of under temporary license. Sections 14 to 18 make provision for other matters than those to which sections 2 to 13 relate.

9

A.—l.

1921-22, No. 54.—The Dentists Amendment Act, 1921-22. —This Act amends in various particulars the Dentists Act, 1908. Section 2 provides that after the 31st March, 1922, no persons other i ban registered dentists and those mentioned in subsection (3) shall practise dentistry in New Zealand. Section 3 defines the expression "practice of dentistry." Section 7 makes special provision for the registration of certain persons engaged in dental work-. 1921-22, No. 55.—The Urewera Lands Act, 1921-22. —This Act gives effect to arrangements entered into between the Crown and the Natives interested in the Native lands referred to in the schedule to this Act for the consolidation and location of interests in such lands and in certain other lands. 1921-22, No. 56. —The Land Agents Act, 1921-22. —This Act is the outcome of nine years' experience of the Land Agents Act, 1912, which it repeals. The term " land agent "is more freely defined than in the repealed Act. Additional restrictions on the licensing and renewal of licenses of land, agents are imposed, and better provision generally is made for regulating the carrying-on of the business of land agent. Barristers and solicitors while in practice as such are prohibited from being the holders of land agents' licenses. Under the Act of 1912 the fee for a license was £5. Fees payable under this Act are to be fixed by regulations, 1921-22, No. 57. —The Animals Protection and Game Act, 1921-22.—This Act repeals the Animals Protection Act, 1908, and the other enactments mentioned in the Fourth Schedulo to this Act. It not only consolidates the present law, but reconstructs its form and makes a number of new provisions with respect to the protection of animals, the regulation of game - shooting seasons, and the constitution and powers of acclimatization societies. The Act is divided into Parts as follows : Part I, Animals Protection; Part 11, Game; Part 111, Opossums; Part IV, Acclimatization Districts and Societies ; Part V, General. 1921-22, No. 58. —The Government Railways Amendment Act, 1921-22. — This Act amends in various particulars the Government Railways Act, 1908. Section 2 provides a new scale of wages for the Second Division of the Railway service, and section 3 provides for the members of that division to be reclassified. Section 9 makes provision for the appointment by the Minister of a Board of Inquiry as to matters affecting the administration of the Government railways. Section 10 authorizes local authorities to contribute towards the cost of construction or maintenance of railway bridges or subways. 1921-22, No. 59. —The Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1921-22.—This Act provides for the exchange, sale, reservation, and other disposition of certain reserves, Crown lands, endowments, and other lands, validates certain transactions, and confers certain powers on certain public bodies. 1921-22, No. 60.—The Housing Amendment Act, 1921-22.—This Act amends in various particulars the Housing Act, 1919. Section 2 increases the maximum price of dwellings erected under the principal Act. Section 1 provides for the transfer of a dwelling on the death of the purchaser or lessee. Section 5 provides for the recovery of dwellings under tin; principal Act from persons wrongfully in possession. Section 8 amends section 19 of the. principal Act by making it an offence punishable with a fine of £100 for any person to stipulate for, or demand or accept, as a condition of the tenancy of a dwellinghouse payment for furniture or other effects of any sum in excess of tin; fair selling-value thereof. Section 9 provides further grounds for the recovery of possession of dwellinghouses subject to Part I of the War Legislation Amendment Act, 1916, and extends the duration of that Part and the several amendments thereof until the 31st December, 1922. Section 10 imposes certain restrictions on the letting or selling of a dwellinghouse when possession thereof has been recovered on the ground that the premises are required for the landlord's own occupation. 1921 22, No. 61.—The Land Laws Amendment Act, 1921-22. — This Act amends in various particulars the Land Act, 1908, and the several amendments thereof. This Act is divided into Parts as follows : Part I, Pastoral Lands ; Part 11, General. Part I (Pastoral Lands) : This Part, which is to be read as part of Part VI of the principal Act, makes a number of provisions with respect to pastoral lands. By section 5 the term of a lease of pastoral lands is extended to thirty-five years. Section 6 requires lessees of certain pastoral lands to make certain improvements thereon. Section 8 provides for the extension of pastoral licenses where the licensee has suffered substantial loss arising from any general financial stringency. Sections 10 to 12 make provision for acquisition of the fee-simple of pastoral lands and national-endowment land held as pastoral land. Part II (General) : Section 16 provides for the keeping by the Surveyor-General of a standard or standarrls of length of a chain and links, and that measurements of length for the purposes of the Land Transfer Act, 1916, shall be expressed in terms of the chain of 100 links. Sections 17 and 18 provide for the extension of certain leases and licenses. Section 20 imposes a restriction on the forfeiture of Crown lands. 1921-22, No. 62.—The Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1921-22. — This Act amends in various particulars the law relating to Native land, and confers on the Native Land Court and the Native Appellate Court respectively jurisdiction to hear and determine certain claims and disputes in relation to Native lands. 1921-22, No. 63.—The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, 1921-22.—This Act amends the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1908, in various particulars. Section 5 empowers the Court, with the consent of all the parties, to amend an award. Section 7 exempts local bodies, with respect to relief works conducted by them, from the operation of any award or industrial agreement. Section 8 provides an alternative method of filling casual vacancies in the. office of nominated members of the Court. Section 9, which remains in operation

2—A. 1.

A.—l

10

till the 31st December, 1923, empowers the Court to amend awards or industrial agreements with respect to rates of wages, having regard to any increase or decrease, in the cost of living since the 30th September, 1920, and certain other considerations. 1921-22, No. 64.- The Waikato and King-country Counties Act, 1921-22.—This Act gives effect to the report of a Commission appointed under section 91 of the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1920. 1921-22, No. 65.—The Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Amendment Act, 1921 -22— This Act amends section 4 of the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Amendment Act, 1920, by providing that where, upon the hearing of a petition under that section, the respondent opposes the making of a decree of dissolution of marriage, and the Court is satisfied that the separation was due to the wrongful act or conduct of the petitioner, the Court shall not make, upon such petition, a decree of dissolution of the marriage. 1921-22, No. 66.—The Road Boards Amendment Act, 1921-22. — This amendment of the Road Boards Act, 1908, makes it no longer necessary for special orders of Road Boards, other than special orders altering boundaries or constituting districts, to be gazetted. 1921-22, No. 67,—The t Expiring Laws Continuance Act, 1921-22. — This Act extends to the 31st December, 1922, the duration of the enactments mentioned in the schedule thereto, and to the 31st March, 1922, thaduration of the. Shops and Offices Amendment Act, 1921. Section 3 revives and continues in force until the 31st December, 1922, section 2 of the Acts Interpretation Amendment Act, 1920. Section 4 limits the duration of awards under section 4of the Sale of Liquor Restriction Act, 1917, such awards having been extended, without agreement of parties, by reason of the extension of the duration of that Act. 1921-22, No. 68.—The New Zealand Institute of Architects Amendment Act, 1921-22.- This Act extends the time during which students of architecture may be registered without examination. 1921-22, No. 69.—The Public Reserves and Domains Amendment Act, 1921-22.—The objects of this amendment of the Public Reserves and Domains Act, 1908, are to enable charges for admission to public reserves to be made on an increased number of days ; to authorize the making of charges for admission to public domains ; to enable the building of halls on public domains; to enable trustees of racecourse reserves to make by-laws to exclude persons from such reserves ; and to authorize the removal from public reserves generally of persons acting thereon in contravention of the provisions of any law prohibiting betting and gaming. 1921 22, No. 70.- The Thomdon Reclamation Act, 1921-22.—This Act validates a certain agreement entered into between the Minister of Railways, acting on behalf of His Majesty, and the Wellington Harbour Board in respect of the work of reclaiming certain portions of Wellington Harbour, and repeals the Thorndon Esplanade Act, 1891. 1921-22, No. 71.—The Electric-power Boards Amendment Act, 1921-22.—This Act contains a number of amendments of the. Electric-power Boards Act, 1918, none of which is of outstanding importance. 1921-22, No. 72.—The Finance Act, 1921-22.—This Act is divided into Parts as follows: Part I, Public Revenues ; Part 11, as to Loans for Public Works and other Purposes ; Part 111, Superannuation Funds ; Part IV, Local Authorities and Public Bodies ; Part V, General. Part I (Public Revenues) : This Part contains, inter alia, a number of miscellaneous amendments of the Public Revenues Act, 1910, and other Acts dealing with public moneys. Section 9 authorizes the Governor-General to prescribe fees in respect of the issue of letters of naturalization and certified copies thereof. Section 10 provides exemption from gift duty in certain cases of voluntary discharge of mortgage debts. Section 11 corrects a clerical error in the Second Schedule to the Death Duties Act, 1921. Section 12 provides for the payment into a special account, for the purpose of the construction and maintenance of main highways, Customs duties received on motor-tires, &c. Section 13 constitutes an Advances to other Governments Account. Section 18 amends section 13 of the Customs Amendment Act, 1921, relating to special duty on goods from countries having depreciated currencies. Part, II (as to Loans for Public Works and other Purposes) : Section 19 increases to £4,000,000 the authority to borrow money on the security of Treasury bills. By section 20 interest on the £5,000,000 raised for certain public works during the current financial year is made payable as from the Ist August, 1921. Section 23 extends the authority to borrow conferred by the enactments mentioned in the schedule to this Act. Section 24 empowers the Minister of Finance to redeem debentures before maturity. Section 25 makes provision for utilizing annual payments into the War-loans Sinking Fund for reduction of the war debt. Section 26 empowers the Minister of Finance to borrow moneys for the purpose of making advances to the Samoan Treasury under clause 34 of the Samoa Constitution Order, or section 33 of the Samoa Act, 1921. Part 111 (Superannuation Funds) : Section 28 provides for the payment in certain cases of superannuation allowances to public servants compulsorily rr'ti red through no fault of their own. This section is to be deemed to have come into operation on the Ist July, 1921, and will expire on the 31st December, 1922, but such expiry is not to affect the continuance of any retiringallowance granted under this section. Section 29 makes special provisions with respect to the period of service for superannuation purposes of certain officers appointed to tin; High Commissioner's Office. Sections 31 and 32 contain special provisions with respect to contributors to the Teachers' Superannuation Fund. Part IV (Local Authorities and Public Bodies) : Section 34 increases the rating-powers of Town Boards. Section 39 empowers local authorities to borrow moneys to dischatge existing liabilities for the acquisition of land. Section 40 directs the appointment of a Commission to inquire as to the loss of revenue suffered by local authorities from the operation of the Forests Act.

11

A.—l

Part V (General) : Section 41 consolidates section 17 of the War Legislation Act, 1917, and its amendments, which authorize thu Supreme Court or a Judge thereof to extend, vary, or annul certain contracts affected by the war. Section 46 confers on the Governor-General additional powers to make additional regulations under the Naval Defence Act, 1913. 1921-22, No. 73.—The Meat-export Control Act, 1921-22. — The object of this Act is to make provision for the appointment of a Meat Producers Board, with power to control the meat-export trade. Section 2 provides that the Board shall consist of two persons as representatives of the Government, and five persons as representatives of the producers of meat for export. The Governor-General is empowered to appoint an additional member as a representative of stock and station agents. By section 3 the Board is declared to be a body corporate. Section 7 gives the Board power to appoint officers, and public servants are declared to be eligible, for such appointments under certain conditions. Section 8 constitutes a London agency of the Board. One member of the London agency is to be appointed by the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture. The Board appoints the other members. Section 9 provides that meat shall not be exported from New Zealand save in accordance with the determination of the Board. Section 10 empowers the Hoard, subject to certain conditions, to assume control of meat intended for export. Section 11 authorizes the Board to make arrangements as to the, slaughtering of stock where meat is intended for export. Section 12 provides that after the constitution of the Board, or at such later date as the Board may appoint, no contract for the carriage by sea of meat to be exported from New Zealand shall be made save by the Board as agents of the owners or other authorized persons, or in conformity with conditions approved by the Board. Every person other than the Board who exports meat must satisfy the Customs, on making entry under the Customs Acts, that the contract for shipment has been .approved by the Board. With regard to contracts made before, the commencement of this Act, the Board's approval is not required if the meat is exported not later than the 31st October, 1922. Section 13 provides for the making of a levy on meat exported from New Zealand. Proceeds of levies, after certain deductions for services rendered by the Customs, are to form part of the funds of the Board. The particular powers of the Board are defined by section 14. Section 15 provides for the application by the Board of moneys received by it. By section 15 the Board's accounts are to be audited as if the moneys of the Board were public moneys. Section 17 empowers the Minister of Finance to guarantee advances made to the Board or made at the request of the Board. By section 18 it is declared that the mutual rights, obligations, and liabilities of the Board and the owners of which it is agent shall be determined in accordance with the law governing regulations between principals and agents. The members of the Board are not to be deemed liable for acts or defaults of the Board. Section 19 authorizes the GovernorGeneral to make regulations. 1921-22, No. 74. —The Appropriation Act, 1921-22. — This Act appropriates for the use of His Majesty the moneys required for the purposes of the current financial year, in addition it contains certain miscellaneous provisions, most of which validate certain items of unauthorized expenditure, incurred by local and other public bodies, or authorize contributions to particular funds by such bodies. Section 16 authorizes the purchase of war materia] for the post-war equipment of the New Zealand military forces. Section 36 provides that special increments may be allowed to officers of the Post and Telegraph Department on account of outstanding merit or ability. Local Acts. 1921, No. 1 (Local). —The Auckland City Loans Consolidation and Empowering Act, 1921.—This Act authorizes the Auckland City Council to issue a consolidated loan and to make certain adjustments with reference to loans ; to enlarge the Auckland Domain Cricket-ground ; and to validate an agreement between the Corporation of the City of Auckland, and the Dilworfh Trust Board. 192 L, No. 2 (Local). —The Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Amendment Act, 1921.—This Act amends the Dunedin District Drainage and Sewerage Act, 1900, and the Acts amending the same. Sections 3to 15 make further provision with regard to the raising of loans by the Board, and the making and levying of special rates. Section 18 empowers the Board to construct common drains. 1921, No. 3 (Local). —The tnvercargill Borough Council Special Rate Empowering Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act authorizes the Invercargill Borough Council to expend certain loan-moneys raised by special loans for sanitary drainage and sewerage-works in certain portions of the borough for completing the sanitary drainage and sewerage of the whole borough. 1921, No. 4 (Local). —The Judea Land Drainage Board Empowering Act, 1921. —This Act extends the powers of the Land Drainage Board with respect to the classification for rating purposes of the lands within its district. 1921, No. 5 (Local). —The Tauranga Borough Council Electric Loan Empowering Act, 1921. — This Act empowers the Tauranga, Borough Council to raise on certain special terms a loan of £12,500 for the purpose of completing electric works and for paying certain liabilities already incurred in connection with such works. 1921, No. 6 (Local). —The Tauranga Harbour Board Empowering Amendment Act, 1921. —The object of this Act is to allow the Board to raise by instalments the loan of £125,000 authorized by the Tauranga Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1919, and to allow of the appointment of the Public Trustee as the sole Sinking Fund Commissioner in respect of such loan. 1921, No. 7 (Local). —The Tolaga Bay Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1921. —This Act empowers the Tolaga Bay Harbour Board to raise a loan of £100,000 for harbour-works, and vests certain lands in the Board.

12

A.—l

1921, No. 8 (Local). —The Christchurch Tramway District Amendment Act, 1921.—This Act amends in various particulars the Christchurch Tramway District Act, 1920. Section 9 authorizes the raising by the Board, without the consent of the ratepayers, loans for certain works : section 10 authorizes the Board to erect dwellings tor its employees ; and section 12 empowers it to subsidize the Christchurch Tramway Employees' Sick Benefit Society. 1921, No. 9 (Local). Tin; Taieri River Improvement Amendment Act, 1921.—This Act amends in various particulars the Taieri River Improvement Act, 1920. 1921, No. 10 (Local). —The Grey Collection Exchange Act. 1921. -The object of this Act is to authorize the Auckland City Council to transfer to the Board of Trustees of the South African Public Library such books and manuscripts in the Grey Collection as relate to South Africa and its people, and to receive in exchange, on behalf ol the New Zealand Government, and to bold in trust for the people of New Zealand, any books and manuscripts which, having formerly belonged to Sir George Grey, are now deposited in the South African Public Library, and which relate to the Maoris of New Zealand and to Polynesia. 1921, No. 11 (Local).—The Wellington City Empowering Act, 1921. —This Act authorizes the Wellington City Council to cancel certain debentures ami to issue other debentures in lieu thereof. 1921, No. 12 (Local).- The Napier Harbour Board Enabling Act, 1921. The object of this Act is to provide for the more convenient and economical collection of the, rates authorized to be levied by the Napier Harbour Board by certain special Acts, ami for certain other matters affecting the Board. 1921, No. 13 (Local). —The Napier Harbour Board and Napier High School Empowering Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act modifies in certain particulars certain agreements ratified by the Napier Harbour Board antl Napier High School Empowering Act, litis. 1921, No. 14 (Local). —The Palmerston North Borough Loans Consolidation Act, 1921. —This Act authorizes the Palmerston North Borough Council to consolidate certain loans. 1921, No. 15 (Local). —The Inch-Clutha Road, River, and Drainage Amendment Act, 1921.—The object of this Act is to abolish the Inch-Clutha Road, River, and Drainage Board, to merge the Inch-Clutha Road District in the County of Bruce, and to constitute the Inch-Clutha Riverand Drainage Board. 1921, No. 16 (Local). —The Picton Recreation Reserve Amendment Act, 1921. —This Act enables the Picton Borough Council to lay out as a public highway certain land vested in the Corporation of the borougtt as a recreation reserve, and to authorize the sale of another portion of the said reserve. 1921, No. 17 (Local). —The Auckland Electric-power Board Act, 1921. —This Act constitutes the Auckland Electric-power' District and the Board thereof, and confers powers on the Board. These powers are for the most part the same powers as those conferred on other Boards by the Electric-power Boards Act, 1918, but there are also conferred by this Act a number of special powers to meet local requirements. 1921, No. 18 (Local). —The Whakatane Harbour Act, 1921. —This Act consolidates and amends a number of Acts relating to the Whakatane Harbour. 1921-22, No. 19 (Local).— The Geraldine County River District Act, 1921-22.—This Act constitutes the Geraldine County River District, with the members for the time being of the Geraldine County Council as the River Board thereof, and makes certain special provisions with respect to the powers, duties, and finances "I the Board. 1921-22, No. 20 (Local).—The Whangarei Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1921-22.—This Act defines the powers of the Whangarei Harbour Board to construct harbour-works, and authorizes the expenditure for certain purposes of a portion of the moneys borrowed pursuant to (he Whangarei Harbour Board Empowering Act. 191 I, and the Whangarei Harbour Board Vesting and Empowering Act, 1919. Private Act. 1921, No. I (Private). —The Roman Catholic Archbishop Empowering Act, 1921.-This Act enables the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington to sell and dispose of certain lands in the Archdiocese of Wellington, and to apply the net proceeds thereof in or towards the purchase of other lands in the archdiocese, and in or towards the erection of church and school buildings, and Io authorize the raising of money on the security of the lands so acquired, or any of them.

No. 7. New Zealand, No. 79. Sir, — ""Government House, Wellington, 23rd March, 1922. With reference to your despatch, Dominions Treaty No. 4, of the 10th January, I have the honour to inform you that it is the desire of my Government that the International Refrigeration Convention should be ratified for New Zealand. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

13

A.—l

No. 8. New Zealand, No. 88. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd April, 1922. With reference to your despatch, No. 113, of the 6th June, 1921, I have the honour to transmit to you, at the request of my Ministers, the accompanying copy of the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act, 1921, in order that steps may be taken for the issue of the necessary Order of His Majesty in Council, extending the Imperial Act to this Dominion. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-Genera]. The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 9. New Zealand, No. 90. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th April, 1922. With reference to your despatch, No. 24, of the Bth February, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of New Zealand is willing to pay the sum of 9,940 francs as a contribution for the year 1922-23 to the International Customs Tariff Bureau. T have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 10. New Zealand, No. 91. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th April, 1922. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 499, of the 16th December, concerning the treatment of seamen suffering from venereal diseases, I have the honour to inform you that my Government is favourably disposed to such a Convention as has been suggested, and would be glad to participate in it. 2. My Prime Minister informs me that New Zealand has anticipated the requirements of the Convention, and has already extended the facilities for the treatment of venerea] diseases accordingly. I have, &c, JELLICOE, Governor-General. The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 11. New Zealand, No. 143. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 6th June, 1922. I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers have furnished me with the following information in reply to your despatch, Dominions No. 105. of the 31st March, relative to the Nurses Registration Act, 1919 : — (a.) A Nurses Registration Act was passed in New Zealand in 1901. This Act, by the consolidation of the New Zealand statutes, became the Nurses Registration Act, 1908. The Act of 1901 provided and the 1908 Act continued the provision for a " Registrar," meaning the Inspector-General of Hospitals (now DirectorGeneral of Health) for the time being, and for the keeping by him of a book to be

A.—.l

14

called " The Nurses Register of New Zealand." The Nurses Registration Amendment Act, 1920, is the only subsequent enactment. (b.) Subsection (3) of section 4 of the Act of 1908 reads : — " Every person is entitled to registration, on payment of a fee of one pound, who holds a certificate from the medical officer or authorities of any itospital out of New Zealand recognized by the Minister under any regulations tinder this Act that the holder has received such training and passed such examination as would be required from New Zealand nurses under this Act." (6 1.) On the 30th May, 1914, regulations (gazetted 4th June, 1914) were made revoking all regulations heretofore made under the 1908 Act, and in lieu thereof making regulations in respect of hospitals acting as training-schools for nurses. Regulation 17 of the said regulations reads : — •" Hospitals outside New Zealand shall be deemed recognized as train-ing-schools under the Act by the Minister on his signature being affixed to the certificate of registration presented by the Registrar. " Nurses trained outside New Zealand applying for registration shall afford proof of having undergone a course of training for three years and of having passed a final examination. " Nurses trained outside New Zealand whose course of training satisfies the Registrar, but who have not passed a final examination or whose certificate does not so state, may be allowed to sit for the State examination on payment of the prescribed fee." (b 2.) The New Zealand Government is willing to continue the provision made in the above regulations to admit nurses registered in the United Kingdom to registration in New Zealand, provided the applicant shall afford proof of having undergone a course of training for a period of not less than three years in a trainingschool for nurses in the United Kingdom recognized by the General Nursing Council, and of having passed a final examination. This examination to be that of the General Nursing Council after such examinations have been instituted. (6 3.) With regard to the New Zealand intention to require as contingent to registration a period of training of not less than three years, the Government of New Zealand desire to refer to the initial Nurses Registration Act of 1901. Section 4 thereof, while laying down the conditions under which registration was to be obtainable in New Zealand in the future, at the same time granted another way of entrance for those who could not at that time fulfil those conditions, provided application was made by such persons before the 30th June, 1902. For the past twenty years, therefore, New Zealand nurses could only be admitted to registration by having had three-years training in a hospital within the meaning of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act (usually called a "general" or "public" hospital), together with systematic instruction in theoretical and practical nursing from the medical officer and the matron of that hospital, and by passing a final examination. (b 4.) It may be that at the commencement of the Act in the United Kingdom nurses may be admitted to registration who cannot give proof of a three-years course of training. It is considered that to admit such nurses to the New Zealand register would be inequitable, because of the practice which has held good for twenty years with respect to New-Zealanders themselves. (c.) The standard for training in New Zealand at present is as set forth in subsection (2) of section 2of the Nurses Registration Amendment Act, 1920. In the meaning of subsection (2) (a) of that section, " hospitals approved for the purpose by the Registrar " (Director-General of Health) are hospitals within the meaning of the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act, 1909, and are judged according to the class of cases admitted, the personnel, equipment, and facilities for instruction, and not necessarily with regard to a defined number of beds being available. The regulations gazetted on the 4th June, 1914, already referred to, and on the 3rd August, 1916, prescribed the conditions under which such a hospital shall be eligible for recognition as a training-school for nurses. In the first-mentioned are also regulations as to the course of training and examinations. The final examination (generally known as the " State examination ") is held biannually, and consists of a written, oral, and practical part. It extends over two

15

A.—l

days, and is conducted by registered medical practitioners and registered nurses approved by the Minister of Health. General matters in relation to the conduct of these examinations and to the keeping of the register are administered by the Director of the Division of Nursing —a division comprised in the Department of Health by the Health Act, 1920. The Director is a registered nurse and registered midwife. 2. In accordance with the request contained in the last paragraph of your despatch, I enclose, in triplicate, copies of the following Acts and Regulations :— (i.) Nurses Registration Act, 1901 (now obsolete), (ii.) Nurses Registration Act, 1908 (the principal Act), (iii.) Nurses Registration Amendment Act, 1920. (iv.) The Nurses Register of New Zealand, 1922. (v.) Regulations under the Nurses Registration Act—gazetted 4th June, 1914. (vi.) Regulations under the Nurses Registration Act —gazetted 3rd August, 1916. (vii.) Papers and instructions —Examination for registration, December, 1921. 3. My Government understand that the General Nursing Council has laid down as a minimum requirement for a training-school a hospital with 100 beds, a daily average of seventy-five occupied beds, and at least one resident medical officer. Ministers would be glad to know if nurses registered in New Zealand will be admitted to the United Kingdom register when the training has been received in New Zealand hospitals conforming to the above requirements. 4. It is also understood that the General Nursing Council is considering schemes of affiliation of small with larger hospitals to form training-schools. My Ministers desire to point out that Regulation 5 of the regulations gazetted 4th June, 1914, provides for a somewhat similar measure in New Zealand. Although in force for some time, it has to be said that little advantage has been taken of it. My Government would be glad to be informed on what terms nurses trained in New Zealand in hospitals with less than 100 beds and without a resident medical officer may be admitted to the United Kingdom register. 5. Before, however, proceeding with the agreement outlined in paragraph b 2) above, the Government of New Zealand would be glad to be informed of the terms on which nurses registered in New Zealand may be admitted to the United X ngdom register. I have, &c, JELLICOE The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 12. New Zealand, No. 150. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 10th June, 1922. I have the honour to inform you that I duly referred to my Ministers your despatch, No. 36, of the 27th February, on the subject of a resolution passed at a recent meeting of the Board of the Northern Peace League regarding the adopt on of English as an auxiliary world language. 2. The opinion of the Minister of Education on the question raised is (a) that there is need for the general adoptioji of an international language, and (b) that a living modern language, preferably the English anguage, would be the most practical and have the greatest prospect of being adopted by most nations as an auxiliary world language to be taught in the schools. I have, &c. JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies

A.—l

16

No. 13. New Zealand, No. 227. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, Ist September, 1922. With reference to your despatch, No. 73, of the 13th April, on the subject of the upkeep of the Imperial Institute, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of New Zealand will be pleased to contribute the sum of £1,000 to the funds of the Institute for the current financial year 1922-23. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 14. New Zealand, No. 232. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 4th September, 1922. With reference to my despatch, No. 14, of the 21st January, I have the honour to forward, at the instance of my Prime Minister, the accompanying copy of Volume 111 of the New Zealand History of the War, which my Ministers hope that His Majesty the King may be graciously pleased to accept. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 15. New Zealand, No. 239. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 7th September, 1922. With reference to my telegram of the 24th August, conveying the text of a resolution passed by the House of Representatives assenting to the ratification by His Majesty of the treaties passed at the recent Washington Conference, I have the honour to inform you that a resolution couched in the same terms was passed by the Legislative Council on the 6th instant. 2. The accompanying copies of the New Zealand Parliamentary Debates give an account of the debate in the House of Representatives on Sir John Salmond's report on the proceedings of the Conference, copies of which were enclosed in my despatch, No. 213, of the 18th August. It will be observed that on pages 481 and 482 the Prime Minister makes known the suggestions of the Admiralty as to the methods in which New Zealand can best assist in the naval defence of the Empire. 3. I also take the opportunity of enclosing copies of several leading articles which have appeared in the local Press commenting generally on Sir John Salmond's report, and in particular on that portion of it which relates to the status of the Dominions. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 16. New Zealand, No. 250. Sir, — Government House, Wel'ington, 14th September, 1922. With reference to my despatch, No.• 239, of the 7th September, I have the honour to transmit to you certified copies of the resolution passed by the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives respectively, relative to the ratification by His Majesty of the treaties concluded at the Conference on the Limitation of Armaments held at Washington. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

17

A.—l

No. 17. New Zealand, No. 262. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 23rd September, 1922. I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copy of an address conveyed to me by the Legislative Council embodying a resolution passed on the 20th September, confirming the action of my Government in assuring His Majesty's Government of the desire of New Zealand to associate herself with the Mother-bind in any course of action which His Majesty's Government may decide upon in connection with the situation in the Near East arising out of the war between Greece and Turkey, and in stating that this Dominion was prepared to send a contingent. 2. A certified copy of a similar resolution passed by the House of Representatives is also enclosed. I have, &c. JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 18. New Zealand. No. 265. Sin. Government House, Wellington, 27th September, 1922. With reference to your despatch, No. 142, of the Ist August, I have the honour to inform you that my Government much appreciate the offer of the assistance of officers of the Department of Overseas Trade in certain Furopean and other foreign countries. . 2. As regards inquiries with European countries, my Ministers state that these are generally conducted through the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, and it is therefore probable that little call will be made upon the services of overseas officers on the contingent; but in respect of the United States of America, Argentine, Brazil, China, Japan, and the Netherlands East Indies, the Government of New Zealand will be glad to avail itself of the services of the Commercial Diplomatic Officers. 3. Particular value will be placed by my Government on the publications issued by His Majesty's commercial representatives abroad, and it is suggested that where these publications are not already sent, an instruction may be given for their despatch to New Zealand. I have, &c, . JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.l\, Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 19. New Zealand, No. 266. Sir,— Government House, Wellington, 27th September, 1922. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch, Dominions No. 231, of the Bth July, conveying an invitation to the Government of New Zealand to participate in the Fourth International Congress on Roads to be held at Seville in the spring of 1923. 2. My Ministers inform me that the New Zealand Government will be pleased to be represented at the Congress if a suitable person is available at the time it is held. I have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General Secretary of State for the Colonies.

3—A. 1.

A.-l

18

No. 20. New Zealand, No. 268. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd October, 1922. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of, and to thank you for, your despatch, Dominions No. 226, of the 6th July, forwarding copy of a note from the United States Ambassador regarding the World's Dairy Congress to be held in the United States in October, 1923. 2. Ministers state that, as requested by the American Ambassador in London, steps have been taken to bring the matter under the notice of those interested, as well as to publish it in the Journal of the Department of Agriculture. 3. The question of a representative attending the Congress on behalf of the Government of New Zealand will receive the consideration of my Ministers, and I will address to you a further communication on this point as soon as they have come to a decision, and will at the same time, inform you as to any representation which the dairy associations, the breed associations, and the dairy-plant manufacturers may desire. 1 have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston Churchill, M.l\, Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 21. New Zealand, No. 272. Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 3rd October, 1922. With reference to your despatch, Dominions No. 279, of the 10th August, with regard to the Imperial Forestry Bureau, I have the honour to inform you that my Ministers advise me that the New Zealand State Forest Service is eager to co-operate with the Empire Forestry Association by every means in its power. 2. Ministers state that while they regret that it has not been possible to finalize the plans for the establishment of an Imperial Forestry Bureau, they hope that definite action in this direction will be taken after the Imperial Forestry Conference has deliberated next year. 1 have, &c, JELLICOE, The Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P., Governor-General. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 22. New Zealand, No. 307. Government House, Wellington, 6th November, 1922. My Lord Duke, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Churchill's despatch, Dominions No. 297, of the 17th August, relative to the inquiry of the Joint Select Committee on the Guardianship, &c, of Infants Bill (House of Lords). 2. My Government state that the guardianship of infants in New Zealand is on practically the same basis as that which obtains in England. 3. The Infants Act, 1908 (N.Z.), together with amendments and rules relating thereto, are enclosed herewith. I have, &c, JELLICOE, (hivemor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

19

A.—l

No. 23. New Zealand, No. 344. Government House, Wellington, 15th December, 1922. My Lord Duke, — With reference to my despatch, No. 76, of the 22nd March, I have the honour to transmit to Your Grace the accompanying synopsis, prepared by the Hon. the Attorney-General, of the Acts passed during the fourth session of the Twentieth Parliament of New Zealand, together with the Acts, duly authenticated with the Seal of the Dominion. I have, &c, JELLICOF, Governor-General. His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.0., &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Synopsis of Acts passed by 'nit: General Assembly of New Zealand during the Session ENDED ON THE IST DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1922. 1922, No. I. The Imprest Supply Act, 1922.- This Act applies the sum of £3,013,800 out of the Public Account, and the sum of £36,300 out of other specified accounts, for the financial year ending the 31st March, 1923. 1922, No. 2. Tin' Imprest Supply Act, 1922 (No. 2). This Act applies the sum of £2,989,050 out of the I'nblie, Account, and the sum of £110,400 out of other specified accounts, for the financial year ending the, 31st March, 1923. 1923, No. 3. Tin- Land-tax (Annual) Act, 1922. This Act fixes the rates at which land-tax shall be assessed, levied, and paid for the year commencing on the Ist April, 1922. 1922, No. 1. The Local Bodies' Loans Amendment Act, 1922.— This Act amends in various particulars the Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1913. By section 5 local authorities are authorized, without the consent of ratepayers, to borrow money for the purpose of providing relief works for unemployed. Sections 7 and 8 make special provisions with respect to loans raised by local authorities for the purpose of extinguishing their antecedent liabilities within the meaning of the Local Bodies' Finance Act, 1921 22. . 1922, No. 5. -The Land Drainage Amendment Act, 1922. This Act amends in various particulars the Land Drainage Act, 1908. Most of the amendments are in the nature of machinery provisions. The most important of the other provisions an- contained in section 7, which- withrespect to districts in which rates are levied on a graduated scale fixes the number of votes exercisable by any ratepayer at elections or polls according to the value of his lands as determined in the manner provided by the section, according to the classification of such lands ; section 8, which provides that a person on the ratepayers' roll of a district shall not bo entitled to vote if his lands are exempt from payment of rates; section 12, which makes special provision as to the maximum rate that may be levied in districts where rates are levied on a graduated scale; and sectioD 21, which authorizes the, Governor-General to confer on any Drainage Board such of the powers of a River Board as he thinks fit. 1922, No. 6. -The Naval Defence Amendment Act, 1922. This Act makes various amendments of the Naval Defence Act, 1913, for the purpose of facilitating the working of that Act. Section 3 amends section 10 of the principal Act as to tire period of enlistment of tiny person in the Naval Forces. Section 5 confers on the Governor-General additional power to make regulations, and section (i authorizes him to delegate to the Minister of Defence or to any officer or officers of the New Zealand Naval Forces certain of the powers conferred on him by sections 17 and 20 of the principal Act. 1922, No. 7. -The Tariff Agreement (New Zealand and Australia) Ratification Act, 1922.--This Act ratifies a tariff agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia made on the 11th April, 1922. 1922, No. 8. The Surveyors' Institute and Board of Examiners Act, 1922— This Act amends the Surveyors' Institute and Board of Examiners Act, 1908. The Surveyor-General is made Chairman of the Board. The main object of the Act is to bring into the, principal Act the provisions of the Land Act, 1908, and the Land Transfer Act, 1915, as to regulations governing surveys of land for the purpose of those Acts, and to widen the power of making regulations conferred on the Board by the principal Act, thus ensuring more efficient control and conduct of survey operations. The schedule provides an increased scale of fees for surveyors' licenses. 1922, No. 9.—The Rotorua Borough Act, 1922.—This Act constitutes the Borough of Rotorua and repeals the Rotorua Town Act, 1907. There art; certain special provisions in this Act rendered necessary by the Crown's interests in Rotorua, which distinguish the borough from other boroughs. By section 4 the Borough Council is to consist of six members, four to be elected and two to be appointed by the Governor-General, to hold office during his pleasure. By section 7 the Tourist Department retains control of the borough until the first elected Councillors come into office. Sections Bto 10 make special provision as to the vesting of certain drainage-works. By section 15

4—A. 1.

A.—l

20

rents received by the Crown in respect of lands within the borough are made payable to the Borough Council. Section 16 prohibits the Council, except with the consent of the GovernorGeneral in Council, from undertaking works likely to damage thermal springs. Section 17 authorizes the Council to levy separate rates for advertising Rotorua as a tourist and health resort, and developing the thermal areas as such. 1922, No. 10.—The Imprest Supply Act, 1922 (No. 3).—This Act applies the sum of £2,194,415 out of the Public Account, and the sum of £86,400 out of other specified accounts, for the financial year ending the 31st March, 1923. 1922, No. 11. —The Administration of Justice Act, 1922. —The purpose of this Act is to facilitate the reciprocal enforcement of judgments and awards made in New Zealand or elsewhere within His Majesty's Dominions and for other purposes. For the most part it is an adaptation of sections 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the Imperial Act (10 & 11, Geo. V, cap. 81). 1922, No. 12.—The Land and Income Tax Amendment Act, 1922. — This Act amends in various particulars the, Land and Income Tax Act, 1916. Section 2 reduces the "super" land-tax. Section 4 limits land-tax on Native lands. Section 5 fixes rates of income-tax for the year commencing Ist April, 1922, and abolishes the " super" income-tax. Section 6 provides that losses in business may be set off against profits earned within the three following years. Section 7 provides that resident New Zealand companies carrying on business exclusively in Pacific islands other than British possessions shall pay income-tax only in respect of such part of their income as is received in New Zealand. Section 8 extends to dependent step-children and grandchildren the exemption from income-tax in respect of dependent children. Section 9 exempts war pensions from income-tax. Section 11 provides that losses incurred by a taxpayer in one business may be set off against profits earned in another business carried on by him. Section 12 reduces from 10 to 5 per centum the rate of tax on premiums in respect of contracts of insurance with foreign companies not carrying on business in New Zealand. Section 14 makes special provision as to business carried on by a husband and his wife. 1922, No. 13.— The Swamp Drainage Amendment Act, 1922.— The object of this Act is to authorize expenditure from the Swamp Land Drainage Account under the Swamp Drainage, Act, 1915, for the improvement of Crown land which is not situated in drainage areas constituted under that Act. 1922, No. 14. —The Customs Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act is an amendment of the Customs Act, 1913. ' Section 2 extends the powers as to control of goods conferred on the Customs Department by section sof the principal Act. Section 3 imposes on the owner of a ship as well as on the master the duty to furnish reports and manifests on arrival of the ship in port. Section 6 revokes the powers of Customs officers with respect to matters outside New Zealand territorial waters. Section 7 varies the rates of special duty on goods from countries having depreciated currencies. Section 8 makes further prov sions for valuation o. goods for assessment of Customs duties in certain cases. Section 9 makes special provision for fixing the current domestic value of goods imported into New Zealand through an intermediate country. Section 10 authorizes the Comptroller of Customs or any Collector to require production of documents relative to any goods with reference to which any question has arisen under the Customs Acts. 1922, No. 15.—The Insurance Companies' Deposits Amendment Act, 1922. This Act repeals Part II of the Insurance Companies' Deposits Act, 1921-22, and fixes the amounts of the deposits to be made with the Public Trustee by British and foreign insurance companies before commencing to carry on business in New Zealand or before commencing to carry on additional classes of business. 1922, No. 16.- The Weights and Measures Amendment Act, 1922. — This Act amends in various particulars the Weights and Measures Act, 1908, with a view to bringing that Act into line with present-day requirements. The Fifth Schedule to the principal Act (prescribing scales of fees) is repealed, provision being made for new fees to be fixed by regulations. Section 10 gives the Governor-General additional powers to make regulations— e.g., to prohibit the importation of any particular kind or kinds of weighing-machines or measuring-instruments ; to prohibit the use of particular kinds of such machines and instruments for particular purposes ; to regulate he stile of firewood, charcoal, coal, and coke, &c. 1922, No. 17. The Imprest Supply Act, 1922 (No. 4).—This Act applies the sum of £1,611,900 out of the Public Account, and the sum. of £87,200 out of other specified accounts, for the financial year ending the 31st March, 1923. 1922, No. 18.—The Companies Amendment Act, 1922. —The object of this Act, which expires on the 31st December, 1923, is to enable the Supreme Court, where it is of opinion that it would be contrary to public interest or the interests of creditors that a financially embarrassed company should be wound up, to direct a meeting of creditors for the purpose of considering the expediency of making some arrangement or compromise with the company. .The Court has power to make binding any arrangement or compromise agreed to by such meeting. The Court is also empowered to stay actions, suits, petitions, or proceedings against companies. 1922, No. 19. —The Coal-mines Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends in various particulars the Coal-mines Act, 1908. A number of the amendments are made for the purpose of bringing the principal Act into line with Imperial legislation. Further provision is made with respect to qualifications of Inspectors, mine-managers, and others. Section 2 enables coal leases and licenses to be granted in respect of scenic reserves, and section 3 provides for the granting of coalprospecting licenses over education reserves. By section 9 payment for overtime worked underground is made compulsory. An important new provision is contained in section 23. Under that section, in any case where the lessee of any coal-mining lease assigns or otherwise parts with the demised premises, or enters into an agreement for that purpose in consideration of a royalty

21

A.—l

or other like payment in excess of one shilling (the maximum amount of the royalty paid to the Crown) per ton on the output of all marketable coal to be raised under the lease, the Minister, as a condition precedent to his consent to such transfer, may require to be paid to him such proportion of such royalty or other consideration as he may determine. Moneys paid to the. Minister pursuant to this section are appropriated for certain specified purposes in connection with the development of the coal-mining industry in New Zealand. The object of the section is briefly to prevent speculation in coal-mining leases. 1922, No. 20. -The Fireblight Act, 1922. This Act, which is made part of the Orchard and Garden Diseases Act, 1908, makes special provision for the control of fireblight. 1922, No. 21. —The Post and Telegraph Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends the Post and Telegraph Act, 1908, and confers certain new powers. Section 2 authorizes the charging of a Customs clearance fee on postal packets containing dutiable goods. Section 3 authorizes the laying under streets of pneumatic tubes for the carriage of postal matter. Section 8 extends the provisions of section 176 of the principal Act as to protection of submarine cables. Section 9 extends the powers contained in section 3 of the Post and Telegraph Amendment Act, 1911', as to regulation of wireless telegraphy. 1922, No. 22. —The State Fire Insurance Amendment Act, 1922- This Act amends in various particulars the State Fire Insurance Act, 1908. Section 2 allows the Reserve Fund of the Office to be applied in the direction of allowing rebates to insurers in respect of premiums. Section 3 repeals the provisions of the principal Act as to a Mutual Guarantee Fund. Section 4 alters the constitution of the State Fire Insurance Board. 1922, No. 23.-The War Disabilities Removal Act, 1922.—This Act provides that Acts and War Regulations imposing disabilities on alien enemies within the meaning of such Acts and regulations shall not apply to any person who in New Zealand is a British subject by birth, naturalization, or otherwise. 1922, No. 24.—The Amusements-tax Act, 1922.—This Act consolidates and amends the law relating to amusements-tax. The following classes of entertainments are exempted : (a) Agricultural and pastoral, horticultural, or poultry shows ; (b) entertainments for charitable, philanthropic, patriotic, or educational purposes, or for purposes of any society not established for profit and where; the performers are not paid for their services ; (c) swimming-sports meetings. 1922, No. 25. -The Mercantile Law Amendment Act, 1922. - This Act amends the Mercantile Law Act, 1908. The, effect of section 2is that a bill of lading is available not only to a consignee or indorsee for valuable consideration, but also to a shipper of goods, as conclusive evidence against the master or other person signing the same of the shipment of such goods. Section 3 makes important special provisions as to " received for shipment " bills of lading. Subsection (2) of that section prescribes the conditions under which such a document may be issued. Subsection (3) requires every such document to contain a provision as to shipment of goods unavoidably shut out from the named ship. Subsection (4) declares a " received for shipment " bill to be a valid bill of lading, with the same effect, negotiability, and consequences as a bill of lading acknowledging actual shipment of goods. 1922, No. 26.—The Electric-power Boards Amendment Act, 1922. This Act amends the Electricpower Boards Act, 1918. Further provisions are made respecting the constitution and alteration of electric-power districts. The powers of Boards with respect to private lands are extended by section 17. 1922, No. 27. —The Incorporated Societies Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends the Incorporated Societies Act, 1908. Clause 3 provides that rules of societies may make provision for the imposition on members of reasonable fines and forfeitures, and for the consequences of nonpayment of any subscription or fine. Section 4 enables the Registrar to dissolve a society that has been registered by reason of a mistake, of fact or law. Section 5 provides a new table of fees payable to the Registrar. 1922, No. 28. The Pharmacy Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends the Pharmacy Act, 1908. Section 2 restricts the, registration of persons with British qualifications to those who have passed the full qualifying examinations for certificates and diplomas of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain or the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. 1922, No. 29. —The Land Laws Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends in various particulars the Land Act, 1908, and the several amendments thereof. Section 3 allows the conversion of settlement land into ordinary Crown land of national-endowment land. Section 6 extends the existing provisions as to the acquisition of the fee-simple of small grazing-runs. Section 8 allows purchasers of Crown or settlement land to elect to accept renewable leases. Section 13 amends section 17 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1919, with reference to payment of certain land revenues to local authorities towards the cost of loans for roads and bridges. 1922, No. 30.—The Harbours Amendment Act, 1922. -This Act amends in various particulars the Harbours Act, 1908. Section 2 enables Harbour Boards to grant leases of foreshore lands that can be made available for pastoral or agricultural purposes if reclaimed from the sea. Every such lease is to contain a condition that the lessee shall reclaim such land within a time fixed in the lease. Section 6 provides for space occupied by deck cargo to be made liable to harbour dues. Section 9 amends section 117 of the principal Act to provide that vessels exempt from dues may become liable in certain circumstances. Section 11 empowers Boards to construct, lay down, and maintain tanks and pipes for the storage and conveyance of oil, or to grant a similar right to any person, body, or authority in respect of wharves, quays, docks, or land vested in such Boards. Section 16 increases the amount that may be levied as a harbour-improvement rate. Section 20 fixes increased fees, charges, and rates.

A.—l

22

1922, No. 31. —The Tongariro National Park Act, 1922. —This Act authorizes the setting-apart of certain lands, including Mounts Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, and lands in the vicinity thereof, as a national park, and provides for the control and management thereof by a special Board. 1922, No. 32.—The Magistrates' Courts Amendment Act, 1922, This Act amends the Magistrates' Courts Act, 1908, in various particulars, none of which is of outstanding importance. 1922, No. 33,-The Fencing Amendment Act, 1922, This Act amends the Fencing Act, 1908. Section 2 makes provision for the recovery of the half cost of erecting a fence on the boundary of Native and European land from a person to whom such Native land is alienated. Section 4 amends section 15 of the principal Act, which deals with determination by Magistrates of questions in dispute respecting the erection of rabbit-proof fences. Section 15 will now apply to the South Island as well as to the North Island, and the Magistrate is no longer to take, into consideration the possible benefit to be received by the, person on whom the notice is served, but the condition of the rabbit pest in the district and the possibility of the; land occupied by the person giving the notice becoming infested by rabbits from the adjoining land. Section 5 makes permanent provision for the fixing by the Governor-General in Council of the maximum half cost recoverable in respect of non-rabbit-proof fences, and repeals section 20 of the War Legislation Amendment Act, 1916. 1922, No. 34.—The Government Railways Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends the Government Railways Act, 1908. Section 2 amends the classification of the Second Division of the Railway Service. Section 3 provides for a new classification of tin; service. Section 1 enables scales of charges (to be paid for persons or goods carried on a railway) to be fixed by reference to distance as shown on the departmental record, notwithstanding any increase or reduction of such distance made, by subsequent alterations of the railway. Section 6 fixes the penalty for a false statement in a consignment-note or waybill. 1922, No. 35.—The Crimes Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends the Crimes Act, 1908. Section 2 amends the provisions of the principal Act as to offences against girls by providing that the defence that the accused had reasonable cause to believe that the girl was over the age of sixteen years shall be limited to accused persons under the age of twenty-one years at the date of the commission of the offence. The time after the commission of the offence within which a prosecution may be commenced is extended to nine months. Section 3 makes an offence the act of inciting any person to commit any crime, mentioned in section 349 of the, principal Act. Section 4 extends the power to grant search-warrants in certain cases. 1922, No. 36. The Cemeteries Amendment Act, 1922, This Act amends the Cemeteries Act, 1908. Section 2 makes it necessary for the sites and plans of crematoria to be approved by the Minister of Health. Section 4 authorizes cemetery trustees to regulate or prohibit the interment in any grave of morn than one body. Section 5 authorizes local authorities which are trustees of cemeteries to delegate their powers to persons appointed by them. 1922, No. 37. The Stamp Duties Act, 1922.--This Act is both a consolidation of the Stamp Duties Act, 1908, and other enactments, and a reconstruction of the law relating to stamp and other duties, a number of new principles being formulated. The Act is divided into Parts as follows : Part I, Administration; Part 11, Stamping of Instruments by the Stamp Duties Office; Part 111, General Provisions as to Duties ; Part IV, Conveyance Duty ; Part V, Mortgage, Duty ; Part VI, Duty on Leases and Licenses ; Part VII, Duty on Negotiable Instruments ; Part VIII, Duty on Sales of Shares in Mining Companies ; Part IX, Miscellaneous Stamp Duties ; Part X, Annual Licenses of Companies; Part XI, Duties payable by Racing Clubs ; Part XII, Transitory Provisions. 1922, No. 38.—The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act, 1922, This Act authorizes the borrowing of £4,000,000 for certain public works. 1922, No. 39.- The, Workers' Compensation Act, 1922. —This Act is a consolidation and amendment of tin; Workers' Compensation Act, 1908, and the other enactments mentioned in the, Third Schedule to this Act. The maximum amount payable by way of compensation in respect of any worker is increased to £750. This Act is divided into Parts as follows : Part I, Compensation ; Part 11, Procedure ; Part 111, Miscellaneous Provisions. 1922, No. 40.—The State Advances Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends the State Advances Act, 1913, in various particulars, and is divided into Parts as follows : Part I, Miscellaneous Business of Advances Office ; Part 11, General. Part I (section 2) establishes a Miscellaneous Advances Branch to carry on certain classes of business of the, Office, principally business transferred by this Act to the Office from other Departments of State. The advances of moneys under (a) the Fruit-preserving Industry Act, and (b) section 30 of the Finance Act, 1918 (No. 2), for the provision of cold storage ; (c) the Repatriation Act, 1918 ; ((/) the Fishing Industry Promotion Act, 1919 ; and (c) the Housing Act, 1919, are by this Act made business of the Advances Office, and sections 3 to 13 of this Act make the necessary amendments of those Acts. Part II : Section 16 provides that moneys advanced under Part II of the principal Act for repayment of mortgages shall bear interest at a rate exceeding by 1 per centum the rate for the time being chargeable on advances made for other purposes. Sections 17 to 19 establish reserve funds for the Settlers, Workers, and Local Authorities Branches. Section 20 provides that the net profits of branches shall be paid into the Advances Office Sinking Fund Account. Section 21 makes special provision in respect of advances under the principal Act, and also under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1915, on the security of the same property. Section 22 provides for an important extension of the powers of the Superintendent, who is authorized, subject to certain special conditions, to make advances in the Advances to Settlers Branch on chattel securities.

23

A.—l

1922, No. 41.—The Dairy Industry Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends the Dairy Industry Act, 1908. Section 3 provides for the testing of milk or cream purchased for manufacture, in the manner prescribed by regulations. Section 4 makes it obligatory for every owner of a butter-factory or a cheese-factory to furnish to suppliers an annual statement as to weight of butter made from each pound of butterfat used for the manufacture of butter, the percentage which the weight of unsaltcd butter manufactured bears to the total weight of butter manufactured, and the weight of cheese made from each pound of butterfat used for the manufacture of cheese. Sections 5 to 7 provide for investigations by the Audit Office into the correctness of such statements. The effect of section 9is to prohibit the exportation of cheese deficient in fats. 1922, No. 42.—The Stone-quarries Amendment Act, 1922. This Act amends the Stone-quarries Act, 1910. None of the amendments is of outstanding importance. 1922, No. 43. —The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act, which amends the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1908, contains several important provisions relating to industria unions and other labour organizations. Section 2 provides that a dispute, affecting two or more, districts may be made the subject-matter of conciliation proceedings. Section 3 requires industrial unions, and associations and societies bound by the Labour Disputes Investigation Act, 1913, to keep correct accounts of receipts and payments. Section 5 exempts County Councils and Road Boards from the operation of the principal Act. Section 7 requires the furnishing of a return by each industrial union, showing the names, addresses, and occupations of the officers, trustees, and auditors of the union, ami also the number of members of tin; union. Provision is also made in this section for the furnishing of other returns. Section 8 makes further provision with respect to the nomination of nominated and acting nominated members of the Court of Arbitration. Section 10 restricts the rights of industrial unions of workers and of societies of workers to require members to pay entrance fees. Section 12 provides for the registration of industrial unions of workers with less than fifteen but not more than five members. 1922, No. 44. -The Settled Land Amendment Act, 1908.- This Act amends the. Settled Land Act, 1908. Section 2 extends from forty years to sixty years the maximum term of certain classes of leases of settled land. Section 3 (based on 45 & 46 Vict., c. 38, s. 10) empowers the Supreme Court to authorize cases of settled land for' extended terms in certain cases. 1922, No. 45.—The Rating Amendment Act, 1922.- This Act amends the Rating Act, 1908. Section 3 authorizes local authorities to allow a rebate for prompt payment of rates. The effect of section 4 is to extend to three years the time within which judgment for rates may be obtained. Section 5 makes provision for the charging of certain fees where html is sold to satisfy a judgment for rates. 1922, No. 46. —The, Legislature, Amendment Act, 1922. 'the object of this Act is to amend the Legislature Act, 1908, and to make special provision for the representation of persons resident in the Chatham Islands. Owing to the distance of the islands from the mainland, the restricted means of access, and the lack of facilities for printing rolls, &c, provision is made for the compilation of a special electoral roll and the, taking of polls pursuant to regulations. 1922, No. 47.—The Main Highways Act, 1922. The object of this Act is to make provision for the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and control of main highways. Section 3 empowers the, Governor-General to declare any public highway to be a main highway for the purposes of this Act. Section 5 constitutes the. Main Highway Board, which is to consist of two members who may be public officers or other persons, one member being an officer of the Public Works Department, two members appointed with the approval of the Minister of Public Works on the recommendation of the New Zealand Counties Association, and one member to represent persons being owners of motor-vehicles. Section 8 empowers the Board to divide New Zealand into highway districts, and for each such district to appoint a District Highways Council, consisting of an Engineer of the Public Works Department and one person to be appointed on the recommendation of each County Council whose, district is wholly or partly within the highway district. Section 9 defines the powers of the Main Highways Board. Section 11 defines the functions of. District Councils. They are to furnish annual recommendations as to public highways within their districts that should be declared to be main highways, as to necessary works of construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of main highways to be undertaken during the year, and whether such works should be undertaken by the Board or by the local authorities in the district. With their recommendations the District Councils are, required to furnish estimates of expenditure and certain scales of payments. Section 12 empowers the Minister of Finance to borrow £3,000,000 for construction of main highways. Sections 1.3 to 17 constitute the Main Highways Account and certain funds, and contain particulars as to payments into and out of such funds. Sections 18 and 19 provide for the apportionment between the Main Highways Board and local authorities of the cost of repair and maintenance, and of the construction or reconstruction of main highways. Section 20 provides that payments to local authorities are to be subject to work being in conformity with standards fixed by the Board. By section 21 motor-license fees and certain Customs duties are to be apportioned by the Board between the North and South Islands. Section 22 authorizes the Board to construct and maintain Government roads without contribution from local authorities. Section 23 provides for subsidies to Borough Councils in respect of maintenance of streets which, though not forming part of main highways, are continuation thereof. Section 24 provides for the laying before Parliament of an annual report and statement of accounts of the Main Highways Board. 1922, No. 48.—The Native Land Amendment and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act, 1922.—This Act amends in various particulars the law relating to Native land, and confers on the Native Land Court and the Native Appellate Court respectively jurisdiction to hear and determine certain claims and disputes in relation to Native land. Section 27 declares the beds of certain lakes in the thermal regions to be vested in the Crown, and by giving effect to an agreement between the Crown and the Arawa Tribe settles a long-standing dispute concerning the lakes.

A.—l

24

1922, No. 49.—The Scaffolding and Excavation Act, 1922.—The object of this Act, which repeals the Scaffolding Inspection Act, 1908, is to make better provision for the prevention of accidents in connection with the erection and use of scaffolding and the making of excavations. It is very much wider in scope than the repealed Act. Notice of intention to commence any building-work involving a risk of a fall of 12 ft. or more, or any scaffolding or excavation, must be given to an Inspector twenty-four hours before actually commencing such work. Inspectors are given wide powers of controlling such work, and further powers of control are given by regulations. The terms "building," "building-work" "scaffolding," "crane," "gear," and "excavation" are exhaustively defined. 1922, No. 50.—The Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1922. — This Act provides for the exchange, sale, reservation, and other disposition of certain reserves, Crown lands, endowments, and other lands, validates certain transactions, and confers certain powers on certain public bodies. 1922, No. 51. —The Finance Act, 1922. —This Act is divided into parts as follows : Part I, Miscellaneous Provisions as to Public Debt; Part 11, Public Revenues and Loans ; Part 111, Local Authorities ; Part IV, Miscellaneous. Part 1 (Miscellaneous Provisions as to Public Debt) : The principal provisions of this Part are contained in section 2, which defines the moneys available for redemption of public securities ; section 4, which enables minors to be registered as holders of inscribed stock and to execute transfers thereof; and section 8, which makes provision for funding advances made by the Imperial Government. Part II (Public Revenues and Loans) : Section 11 declares public stores to be subject to audit and control as if they were public moneys. Section 13 provides for a general imprest account for the payment of interest. Section 14 extends the limit of the unauthorized expenditure of Harbour Boards. Section 15 extends the provisions as to payment of bonus on account of military service to persons domiciled out of New Zealand who served not less than six months continuously as members of the Voluntary Aid Detachments or as General Service workers, and were paid therefor by the New Zealand Government. Sections 16 and 17 confer additional powers to borrow for the purposes of the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Act, 1910, and the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908. Section 21 makes special provisions as to computation of Government subsidy in cases where general rates include Hospital Boards' levies. Section 22 exempts from gift duty, in certain cases, reductions of purchase-money payable under agreements for the sale of land. Part 111 (Local Authorities) : Section 23 provides that local-authority debentures signed by agents need not be under the seal of the local authority. Section 30 empowers County Councils to expend money on tree-planting. Section 34 extends the authority of Hospital Boards to pay pensions to retired officers and servants. Section 35 empowers the Public Trustee to lend money to Hospital Boards on the security of debentures. Part IV (Miscellaneous) : Section 39 makes provision as to the distribution of surplus profits of the Public Trust Office. Section 40 amends section 12 of the National Provident Fund Amendment Act, 1914, to allow of a reduction of contributions by a local authority on behalf of employees in consequence of a general reduction of salaries or wages. Section 42 enables trustees to grant relief to purchasers of trust lands in respect of outstanding purchase-money. Section 43 authorizes the Valuer-General at any time, for sufficient cause, to amend any district valuation roll. Section 44 extends indefinitely Part I of the Monopoly Prevention Act, 1908. Section 46 extends to the 31st July, 1923, the duration of the law as to restriction of rents. Section 47 corrects an error in the Patents, Designs, and Trade-marks Act, 1921-22, affecting evidence of validity of trade-marks. Section 50 makes provision for distribution of the surplus profits of the Accident Insurance Branch of the Government Life Insurance Department by way of rebates of premiums in lieu of bonus. Sections 51 to 56 contain various amendments of the law relating to the Public Service Superannuation Fund and the Teachers' Superannuation Fund. 1922, No. 52. —The Chattels Transfer Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends the Chattels Transfer Act, 1908, in several important particulars. Section 2 amends section 16 of the principal Act to provide that an unregistered instrument shall not affect a bona fide purchaser for value without notice, or an auctioneer or dealer selling in the ordinary course of business. Section 3 amends section 26 of the principal Act to provide that an instrument comprising stock shall be deemed to include the stock referred to in section 26, whether or not such stock may be removed from the lands or premises mentioned in the instrument. Section 4 makes further provisions as to securities given over wool. 1922, No. 53.—The Mining Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends the Mining Act, 1908. Section 3 provides that certain provisions of the principal Act shall continue to apply to State forests. The effect of section 4is to enable certain Native lands to be made available for mining purposes. Sections 8 and 9 increase the fees payable in respect of certain examinations and the obtaining of certain certificates. Section 10 makes more stringent provision as to fencing and marking disused mine-shafts. Section 11 makes further provision for the notification of accidents in mines. Section 12 enables certain Inspectors under the Coal-mines Act, 1908, to act as Inspectors of Mines in certain cases. . 1922, No. 54. —The Native Trustee Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends in various particulars the Native Trustee Act, 1920. Section 2 vests in the Native Trustee the powers vested in the Board constituted by the Native Reserves Act. 1882. Section 4 provides that the Native Trustee may act as trustee of a person under a disability until another trustee is appointed. Sectun 6 provides an additional mode of fixing the rent to be reserved on the renewal of leases of Native reserves. Section 8 extends the powers of the Native Trustee with respect to the administration of Native estates. Section 9 declares the Native Trustee to be a leasing authority.

A.—l

25

1922, No. 55. —The Rural Credit Associations Act, 1922. —The object of this Act is to make provision by means of the establishment of rural credit associations for affording financial assistance to farmers and other rural workers. Section 3 provides for the incorporation under the Incorporated Societies Act, 1908, of rural credit associations for the purposes of this Act. Section 4 defines certain compulsory objects of rural credit associations — inter alia, the receiving of deposits from any persons at interest and the lending of money to members. Section 6 provides that members shall be jointly and severally liable, without limitation of amount, for all the liabilities of the association. Section 7 defines the purposes for which an association may lend money to its members and provides for the recovery of loans. Section 8 limits to £500 the total amount that may be advanced to any member. Section 9 provides for payment to members for certain services rendered to the association. , 1922, No. 56. —The Friendly Societies Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends the Friendly Societies Act, 1908. Section 3 empowers registered societies providing medical or surgical requisites to issue debentures. Section 5 provides that a contributing society may not, without certain notice being given, withdraw from a medical society. Section 6 enables fines imposed by societies to be recovered summarily. 1922, No. 57. -The Appropriation Act, 1922.—This Act appropriates for the use of His Majesty the moneys required for the purposes of the current financial year. In addition it contains certain miscellaneous provisions, none of which are of outstanding importance. 1922, No. 58. —The Sea Carriage of Goods Act, 1922. —This Act re-enacts, with alterations, certain provisions of the Shipping and Seamen Acts relating to the liability of shipowners for the carriage of goods, and comes into operation on a day to be notified by the Governor-General by Proclamation in the Gazette. 1922, No. 59.—The Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends in various particulars the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, and comes into operation on a day to be notified by the Governor-General by Proclamation in the Gazette. Sections 2 and 4 provide respectively for the number of engine-room attendants to be carried by steamships not burning coal and by ships not propelled by steam. Section 10 amends section sof the Shipping and Seamen Amendment Act, 1911, as to security in respect of seamen left on shore from foreign-going ships. Section 11 makes extensive amendments of the fees payable under the principal Act, and section 12 provides a new scale of fees for examination of plans of ships. Local Acts. 1922, No. 1 (Local).—The Hutt Road Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends the Hutt Road Amendment Act, 1917, to enable the Wellington City Council to borrow an additional £20,000 for the purpose of constructing a permanent surface to that road, and authorizes the construction of such surface in bitumen or other permanent material, instead of concrete only, as specified in the Act of 1917. 1922, No. 2 (Local).—The Gisborno Harbour Board Enabling Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act excludes from the Gisborne Harbour District the Counties of Waiapu and Uawa. 1922, No. 3 (Local). —The Wairau Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1922. —The object of this Act is to enable the Wairau Harbour Board to levy rates within its district for the purpose of providing the annual charges upon any moneys borrowed under the authority of the Wairau Harbour Board Act, 1907, and the Wairau Harbour Board Loan and Enabling Act, 1916. 1922, No. 4 (Local).— The Wairau River District Loans Act, 1922.—This Act constitutes the Wairau River District as the area over which rates may be struck and pledged, or other security given, to secure repayment of and to provide for the annual charges and other payments in connection with the loans at present secured upon the several river districts which are now united and form the Wairau River District. 1922, No. 5 (Local). —The Christchurch City Sanitation Empowering Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends the Christchurch City Sanitation Empowering Act, 1908, to confer on the Christchurch City Council power to expend, loan-moneys raised under that Act on lands included in the. city after the passing of that Act. 1922, No. 6 (Local). —The Christchurch Municipal Offices Leasing Act, 1922. —This Act confers on the Christchurch City Council certain special powers of leasing certain lands vested in the Council and the buildings thereon. 1922, No. 7 (Local). —The Whakatane Harbour Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends in various particulars the Whakatane Harbour Act, 1921-22. Sections 6 and 7 provide that failure to pay rates shall be a disqualification for voting and nomination purposes. 1922, No. 8 (Local). —The Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Amendment Act, 1922. —This Act amends the Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Act, 1896, by altering the constitution of the Board of Governors, and authorizes the expenditure of moneys in celebration of the jubilee of the College. 1922, No. 9 (Local). —The Hauraki Plains Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act makes various amendments of the Hauraki Plains Act, 1908. The principal purpose of the Act is to exempt certain lands from rates. 1922, No. 10 (Local). —The Auckland City and Auckland Hospital Board Empowering Act, 1922. — This Act validates an agreement for the exchange of certain lands between the Corporation of the City of Auckland and the Auckland Hospital Board, and authorizes the Auckland City Council to raise a further loan for the enlargement and improvement of the Auckland Municipal Abattoirs, and to pay certain retiring-allowances. 1922, No. 11 (Local). —The Invercargill Corporation Empowering Act, 1922. —This Act makes special provisions with respect to certain lands vested in the Corporation of the Borough of Invercargill.

A.—l.

26

1922, No. 12 (Local).—The Palmerston North Reserves Act, 1922.—The purpose of this Act is to facilitate the management of the reserves vested or to be, hereafter vested in the Corporation of the Borough of Palmerston North, and for that purpose confers special powers on the Borough Council with respect to leasing, borrowing, and expenditure of revenue. 1922, No. 13 (Local).—The Petone and Hutt Gas-lighting Act, 1922.—This Act constitutes a special Board to produce and supply gas in and for the Boroughs of Petone and Lower Hutt and certain lands contiguous thereto, and confers special powers on that Board. 1922, No. 14 (Local).—The Christchurch District Drainage Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends in various particulars the Christchurch District Drainage Act, 1920. The, qualifications of ' electors and of voters on loan proposals are defined, and special provision is made with regard to classification of lands within drainage areas in the district. 1922, No. 15 (Local).—The Wanganui River Trust Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends the Wanganui River Trust, Act, 1891. The constitution of the River Trust is altered, and many new powers arc conferred on the reconstituted Board. 1922, No. 16 (Local). -The Hamilton Domains Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act amends the Hamilton Domains Act, 1911, by conferring additional leasing-powers on the Governor-General. These new powers may only be exercised with the consent of the Hamilton Borough Council, this consent being rendered necessary by the fact that the rent in respect of any lease under this Act is to be deemed to include, all rates other than water rates payable to the Council in respect of the land comprised in such lease. Provision is made for payment to the Council of one-half the rent in satisfaction of such rates. 1922, No. 17 (Local).—The Hutt River Improvement and Reclamation Act, 1922, This Act confers on the Hutt River Board certain powers for the purpose of improving the channel through the estuary of the Hutt River, vests in the Board lands reclaimed by the improvement works, provides for the drainage and other improvement of such lands, and authorizes the disposal thereof. It also validates a certain agreement between the River Board and the Wellington Harbour Board. 1922, No. 18 (Local).—The Wellington City Empowering and Amendment Act, 1922 — This Act amends the Wellington City Trading Department's Reserve and Renewal Funds Act, 1917, confers further powers on the Corporation and the City Council with respect to the control and maintenance of private ways and to street-widening, and provides for certain payments on account of interest and sinking fund out of certain loans. 1922, No. 19 (Local).—The, Mosgiel Borough Empowering Act, 1922.- This Act enables the Mosgiel Borough Council to acquire certain lands in the Borough of Mosgiel and to sell or lease, the same. 1922, No. 20 (Local).—The Bay of Islands Harbour Amendment Act 1922,-- This Act amends the Bay of Islands Harbour Act, 1920, principally in the direction of defining and extending the borrowing-powers of the Board. 1922, No. 21 (Local).—The Whangarei Borough Leasing Empowering Act, 1922.—This Act enables the Whangarei Borough Council to lease to the Whangarei Racing Club, subject to special conditions, part of a borough recreation reserve known as Kensington Park. 1922, No. 22 (Local).—The Waimakariri River Improvement Act, 1922.—The object of this Act is to make better provision for the improvement of the waterway of the Waimakariri River and the protection of certain land in Canterbury. A special district is constituted, with a Trust Board consisting of six elected members and two members (one of whom is to be chairman) appointed by the Minister of Public Works. Certain powers of both River Boards under the River Boards Act, 1908, and of Drainage Boards under the Land Drainage Act, 1908, are conferred on the Trust Board, together with a number of special powers and duties. All proposals by any person or body for drains to empty into any river in the district or into any drains controlled by the Trust, and all plans for locks, tide-gates, bridges, ferries, or wharves, must be submitted to and approved by the Trust before being carried into effect. Certain lands are vested in the Trust ; provision is made safeguarding railway lands, and the Waimakariri Harbour Board is to exercise its powers subject to this Act. 1922, No. 23 (Local).—The Paeroa Water-supply Transfer Validation Act, 1922 : This Act validates the agreement set out in the schedule thereto, being an agreement for tin' supply of water to Paeroa Borough made between the Corporation of the County of Ohinemuri and the Corporation of the Borough of Paeroa. 1922, No. 24 (Local).—The Thames Harbour Act, 1922.—The main object of this Act is to alter the boundaries of the Thames Harbour District, and the constitution of the Thames Harbour Board. 1922, No. 25 (Local).—The Whangarei Borough Empowering Amendment Act, 1922.—This Act enables the Whangarei Borough Council to vary the allocation of certain loan-moneys. 1922, No. 26 (Local).—The Eorouta District Licensing Poll Act, 1922.—This Act provides for the taking of a poll in the Horouta Maori Council District to determine whether liquor may be supplied to Natives within the district.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (475 copies), £30.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 923.

Price 9d.]