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now lost, and that by central control much of this loss could be prevented; and this end, in the Committee's opinion, can only be attained by complete nationalization of the coal-measures. The Miners' Homes. It must be conceded at once that the conditions under which miners and their families live have contributed largely to general dissatisfaction and the fostering of the spirit of unrest, and it is hoped by the Committee that an end will speedily be made of this cause of dissatisfaction by providing reasonable housing-accommo-dation at or near the various mining centres. Recommendations. To remedy the evils and danger, to preserve the Dominion's industries, and to secure in. the immediate future the means for developmental activities, it is recommended by the Committee - (1.) That the coal-measures of the Dominion be nationalized, and that privately owned mines and measures be purchased by the State at valuation: (2.) That a Board of Management and Distribution under ministerial authority be established, on which the workers engaged in the industry shall be represented: (3.) That there be set on foot at once a scheme which shall result in the comfortable housing of the miners and other workers concerned: (4.) That a superannuation scheme on similar lines to that in operation in the Railway service form part of the general scheme: (5.) That the State own. and control the necessary shipping for the carriage of coal. Primary Industries. Your Committee, whilst recognizing the important part the secondary industries play in the employment and welfare of a large portion of the population of this country, admits that it is to the primary industries and their development the country must look to provide the bulk of the added revenue required to meet the increased expenditure rendered necessary by the war. Therefore the Committee is of opinion that everything possible should be done to stimulate production, and to that end it urges that every effort be made to increase the number of those engaged in the agricultural and pastoral industries. Land-settlement and, Transport. The fullest use will in the future require to be made of the lands of the Dominion, and in this respect closer settlement will necessarily play a great part. There must be very stringent legislation against land-aggregation, and the speculative gamble that is at present going on in rural lands should be discouraged and, if possible, prevented. As good facilities for the transport of produce to market are necessary for successful settlement and for assisting production, the Government should push on with an adequate roading policy in newly settled districts. A vigorous policy in railway-construction is also required. Homes for Married Workers. The farming industry will always require a large number of workers to carry on its operations, and. so as to encourage the employment of married men the Government should advance money to farmers to enable them to provide the necessary housing-accommodation. (See " Housing " section.) Owing to this lack at present, employment is confined to a great extent to single men, and the settled populating of country districts is thereby retarded. Seed-growing. Agricultural-seed growing is a new and promising branch of agriculture which can be added with profit to the branches already in existence. The very high prices

ii—l. 12.

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