successful, is such that I will be approving the opportunity for District Welfare Officers from other districts to see at first hand the operations of a selected team, and arrangements will be made for them to spend a few days in Auckland to gain some insight into and knowledge of the methods and techniques employed, so they can apply similar principles in their own districts following proper and full consultation with local bodies and community workers concerned.” Referring to the reorganisation of staff, the Minister continued, “To meet the significant growth of the work of social welfare in the department the new post of ‘Executive Director for Social Services’ has replaced the post of ‘Controller of Maori Welfare’. Further developments under consideration involve regional control, the provision of extra administrative support, and the provision of a specialist staff training officer to meet the needs of Maori Welfare Officers and the proposed training school. For District Welfare Officers who, at the present time, attend departmental conferences about every two years for interchange of views, review of services and so on, I propose to consider making this requirement an annual one. “It is pleasing to note that at the present time ten officers hold the qualification of Diploma in Social Science and two have B.A. degrees — a desirable trend, particularly in urban work, which increases their opportunities for promotion. In the past, two officers each year on a full pay bursary have attended Victoria University for a two-year course leading to the diploma in social work. This number is to be increased to four officers as from next year and I would hope for a further increase in the future to five or six per annum. “My colleague the Minister of Social Welfare and I are giving consideration to an interchange of Maori Welfare Officers and Social Workers of the Social Welfare Department for periods of up to 12 months to enable officers to gain personal work experience and a better understanding of each agency's functions. “Ultimately, the progress made by our people will rest in their own hands and we must resist the temptation to do things for them, but rather we must make it possible for them to do things for themselves. They neither want nor expect charity or privileges and I am confident that, given the opportunity, understanding and patient listening to their point of view, they will respond, to the benefit of themselves and their families. Steps have already been taken in a number of fields to widen the scope to achieve this. I place as a matter of high priority the opportunity for the young Maori to acquire a skill. This includes those from urban areas wishing to take up trade training, as well as adults, particularly in the building industry. Girls, also, must have opportunities provided for them. “In housing I expect that current proposals will do much to alleviate the substandard conditions which persist for many families. “There are also to be changes in land policies. Some have already been announced and further major amendments should appear later this year or early next year. I also intend to include the restructuring of the Department of Maori and Island Affairs. “Other changes will include the functions of the Maori Purposes Fund Board, to emphasise the importance Government places on the traditional and cultural aspects of the Maori people. “Knowledge of Maori language and studies will be a continuing requirement in the qualifications of welfare officers. I am at the present time considering similar principles for administrative and other staff members of the department. “Mr Chairman, I trust that what I have said will help you understand what the Government believes is necessary to meet the needs of our people. While expecting loyalty to the department, I further trust that officers will continue to find this important work rewarding and personally satisfying. “Again, I appreciate this opportunity of speaking to you and I look forward, in due course, to receiving the considerations of your conference.”