A—ll

The 1945 Conference adopted certain amendments to the Constitution of the ILO, to enable it to continue to function in view of the then impending dissolution of the League of Nations; these amendments were ratified by New Zealand in May, 1946. A delegation was appointed by the Conference to bring down recommendations for a general revision of the constitution. After consultation with the Department of Labour, the views of the New Zealand Government on these recommendations were communicated to the ILO and formed the basis of the policy followed by the New Zealand Government delegates at the 1946 Conference, which adopted a complete revision of the constitution of the Organization. The ratification of this new constitution by New Zealand is now under consideration. The Government values very highly the work of the ILO, and is pleased to record that not only has it maintained its existence and unity, but that it is now better equipped to face its responsibilities in the post-war world. Its authority in the field of international labour standards is recognized in the agreement for collaboration with the United Nations, which was approved by the 1946 International Labour Conference and by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December, 1946. The 1946 Conference held a first discussion on a Convention on Minimum Standards of Social Policy in Non-metropolitan Territories which has been of direct concern to the Department of External Affairs, as well as to the Departments of Island Territories and Labour, in view of New Zealand's obligations under the Trusteeship Agreement for Western Samoa and of our responsibilities in the administration of the Cook Islands and Tokelau Islands. The second discussion on this matter is to take place at the 1947 Conference. On 10th October, 1946, New Zealand's ratification of the Minimum Age (Sea) Convention (Revised) 1946 was deposited with the ILO. Consideration has also been given to the ratification of three other Minimum Age Conventions. The ILO has been advised that New Zealand has decided to apply to the Cook Islands and Western Samoa the Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention and Forced Labour Convention, previously ratified in respect of New Zealand. Consideration has also been given to the ratification in respect of New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Western Samoa of the Recruiting of Indigenous Workers Convention 1936, the Contracts of Employment (Indigenous Workers) Convention 1939, and the Penal Sanctions (Indigenous Workers) Convention 1939. Apart from the relevance of certain of these Conventions to Western Samoa, the Department of External Affairs has been associated with the question of ratification, as such action involves the acceptance by New Zealand of international obligations. Consideration has also been given during the period under review to numerous other matters arising out of New Zealand membership of the International Labour Organization —e.g., the draft of a Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the Organization submitted to the 1946 Conference. 3. International Civil Aviation The international aspects of civil aviation have necessarily concerned the Department, and particular attention has been paid to the development of civil air services operating from New Zealand and in the work of the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organization established at Chicago in December, 1944. At the Assembly meeting of the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organization held in Montreal in May of 1946 the Hon. D. Wilson, then High Commissioner for New Zealand in Ottawa, led the New Zealand delegation. It was at this meeting that arrangements were made for the South Pacific Regional Conference on Air Navigation and other technical problems concerned with flying in this part of the Pacific, which was held in Canberra in February, 1947. Moreover, the New Zealand delegation took a prominent part in the discussions on the draft of a Multilateral Air Transport Agreement, which it is intended, if it can be realized, will do away with the necessity for the present exchange of air transport rights by bilateral agreement. The discussions at the Assembly meeting did not lead to any agreement on a draft Multilateral Air Transport Agreement, but opportunity was taken by the New Zealand delegation to press vigorously the point of view of its Government that the

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