NEW PORTFOLIO?

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 151, 28 June 1929, Page 7

NEW PORTFOLIO?

Proposal To Create Ministry Of Dominions. ME. HARTSHORN SUGGESTED. (United Service.) LONDON, June 27. A political correspondent says he understands that the Prime Minister, Mr. ltamsay Mac Donald, is considering the creation of a new portfolio, that of Minister for the Dominions, as apart from tho existing office of Secretary of State for the Dominions and Colonics. i No decision has yet been reached, but it may be stated that there is every likelihood of its accomplishment, and that Mr. Vernon Hartshorn, now a member of the Indian Commission, will fill the post. Mr. Hartshorn, who was Post-master-General in the last Labour Government, is an Imperialist, who is highly regarded in the House Of Commons.

Tlio idea is not new, as the Conservative Government had it in mind several years ago, but did not put it into operation. The change is considered necessary bccause the Dominions' functions are largely consultative, while tho Colonial Office is becoming increasingly administrative and important, in ■view of Britain's intention -to exploit the colonies for the development of the settlement of migrants;