THE GOVERNMENT. 



259 



have been doubled in about 35 years, a circumstance which 

 must be considered in estimating future requirements. 



5, The Government. 

 The Governor is appointed by the Sovereign. The General 

 Assembly, being the collective name for the Legislature, consists 

 of the Governor, the Legislative Council, and the House of 

 Representatives. The Statutes of New Zealand are enacted by 

 the General Assembly. The members of the Legislative Council 

 are appointed by the Governor, on the recommendation of the 

 Ministers. The House of Representatives consists of 80 members, 

 of whom 76 are elected by constituencies termed European 

 electorates, and four are elected by Maori electorates. All male 

 and female adults are entitled to registration on the electoral roll 

 of their district. Any male person on a roll of any electorate is 

 ehgible to be elected a member of the House. Since the institution 

 of the National Government the Executive consists of thirteen 

 Ministers. The mode of Government is representative ; the 

 Governor acts only on the advice of his Ministers. Local Govern- 

 ment extends throughout the Dominion. The number of local 

 Government institutions is large. 



6. Economic Conditions. 

 New Zealand has passed through many industrial phases. 

 About 100 years ago, it was the centre of the Southern Pacific 

 whaling and sealing industry. It was also noted then for its 

 gigantic kauri pine trees and the timber which they yielded. 

 WTien the Australian gold digging industry was at its height, 

 New Zealand supplied the diggers with agricultural produce. 

 Pastoral pursuits began in the forties of last century. From 1861 

 to 1867 the gold industry flourished. After that had begun to 

 languish the production of wool and tallow were developed. 

 About the year 1870 the growing of wheat commenced. In 1882 

 the export of frozen sheep and cattle began, and with it com- 

 menced New Zealand's prosperity. Now the exports of frozen 

 meat represent an annual value of some 6 million pounds sterling. 

 To this is added the production of butter and cheese, and through 

 it the development of small holdings. Of late years, attention 



has been given to fruit culture. 



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