548 PROCEEDmGS OF SECTION Ql. 



In pastoral matters the State is now pursuing tlie vigorous policy 

 of acquiring suitable extensive areas from private holders, and sub- 

 dividing them with a view to the settlement of people on moderat'e 

 areas sufficient to afford a liveHhood. 



In the mining industiy the best means which could be conceived 

 Lave been taken to free the nnner from burdensome restrictions, to 

 encourage enterprise, and to safeguard the lives of men, by regulations 

 as to inspection, competency, and general duties. Aiid, as a crowning 

 featui-e in relation to this class of labour, we have a compassionate and 

 humane institution in the Miners' Accident Relief tund, whereby 

 pi'ovision of a substantial nature is made in respect of all the ill- 

 elfects to the miner, and to his dependents, which result from mining 

 accidents and disasters. 



With regard to the seafaring class, although there is but one 

 Act, it is completely effective in fulfilling requirements. The sailor 

 is amply protected thej'eby in the whole of the surroundings of his 

 career. 



As to shopkeepers, although they were not specifically noticed 

 until 1899, yet the three laws on their behalf which have since been 

 passed in connection with early closing have already resulted in an 

 immense betterment of the conditions of their existence, and the 

 present life and futui-e prospects of this class have been rendered 

 distinctly brighter and more hopeful as a consequence. 



lY. — Manhood from a General Point of View — Health : Never in 

 the history of mankind has the health of the people been so tenderly 

 regarded as at the present time. The best efforts procurable by means 

 of legislation have been devoted to the avoidance of disease, and this 

 is shown in the powers of inspection, of seizure, and of destruction of 

 diseased meat, also in the measure to prevent the introduction of 

 infectious and noxious micro-organisms. P'urther, the most ligorous 

 precautions ai^e exercised under the " Dairies Supervision Act" to pre- 

 serve the public from infectious diseases which may be communicated 

 through an ill-regulated or unregiilated milk supply. The beneficial 

 results plainly apparent in the lower infantile mortality, and in the 

 diminution of the death-roll from tuberculosis, speak volumes as to 

 the efficacy of this type of legislation. 



Again, if unfortunately disease succeeds in passing the advance 

 guard of the protective Acts, it is met by, and succumbs to, that 

 splendid measui'e '" Tlie Public Health Act," under the provisions of 

 which ample means are available for activeh^ combating and eradi- 

 cating disease. 



Likewise having regard to the weaknesses and cupidity of men, we 

 find enactments for saving us from the wrongdoing of our fellows 

 and of ourselves. For instance, there are laws couceraing noxious 

 tr^.des and the adulteration of liquor; also we have the Bread Act; 

 and, from a personal aspect, we may regard the Municipal Baths Act, 

 the Liquor, Inebriates, and the Poisons Acts as social boons. 



V. — Manhood — Industrial Conditions and Saleo-uards in Trade: 

 On this subject a volume might be written. The industrial classes are 

 preserved from unequal competition in trade which would necessarily 

 arise from the presence of inferior races, by means of the Chinese 



