H—22

1947 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 22nd July, 1947. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1947. I have, &c, J. W. Heenan, Under-Secretary. The Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT I. CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS The necessary action was taken in regard to the following matters : (a) Summoning and proroguing of Parliament. (b) Appointment of the Administrator of the Government. (c) Appointment of the Governor-General. (d) Appointments to the Legislative Council. (e) Appointments and resignations of Ministers. (f) Appointment of a Parliamentary Under-Secretary. (g) Appointment of Clerk and Clerk-Assistant to House of Representatives. (h) Issue of writs and other steps for the general election of Members of Parliament. 11. LOCAL GOVERNMENT A. Local Government Reform The report of the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government, which was laid on the table of the House of Representatives in October, 1945, was debated during the last session. The general proposals by the Committee for reform were, with some minor exceptions, generally endorsed by Parliament. Subsequently the Government introduced the Local Government Commission Bill. The provisions of the Bill followed broadly along the lines of the Select Committee's report, in that it provided for an independent Commission charged with the general review of local-authority areas and functions throughout the Dominion. As the Bill finally emerged from the Local Bills Committee, and as it was finally approved by Parliament, there was provision for a Commission of four persons. The Chairman is to have the status of a Judge of the Supreme