H—22

1950 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave

Sir, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 21st August, 1950. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1950. I have, &e., A. G. Harper, Under-Secretary. . The Hon. W. A. Bodkin, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT I. CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS The necessary action was taken in regard to the following matters : (a) Summoning, proroguing, and dissolving of Parliament. {b) Appointments to and a resignation from the Legislative Council. (c) Leave of absence for a member of the Legislative Council. (d) Vacation of office by a Parliamentary Under-Secretary. (e) Appointment of Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Writs. (/) Issue of writs and other steps for the general election of members of Parliament. (g) Consequent on the defeat of the Labour Government at the 1949 parliamentary elections the necessary constitutional steps were taken on 13th December, 1949, regarding the resignation of members of the Executive Council, Ministers, and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries, and the appointment and swearing-in of the new Government. (h) Retention of the title of " Honourable " by eight former members of the Executive Council. (i) Preparation of messages to both Houses of the General Assembly notifying the Governor-General's assent to Bills passed by the General Assembly.