COLONIAL OFFICE REORGANISATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13489, 16 May 1907, Page 5

COLONIAL OFFICE REORGANISATION.

FUNCTIONS OF THE ' SECRETARIATE. (Received May 15, 11.37 p.m.) # ' :x/^ ,i. r; ::-:/:.;: • London, .. May 15. •: Mr. DeaknVs -resolution relating to the reorganisation of the Colonial Office was discussed. Mr. Deakin said that efficient administration of a great public Department was becoming yearly more important. Itwas imperative that they should periodically readjust its methods and: machinery to changing circumstances. He showed how much out of touch even the best of the Colonial Office officials must be if they conducted all business by correspondence alone. The Government must infuse new blood into the Colonial Office if it hoped to keep step with the development of the self-govern-ing dominions. They must work outside the Colonial ¥ ■ Office among the • interests and places affected. He sketched the duties he proposed for the new Imperial secretariate/ Lord Elgin doubted I.the practicability of an interchange of officials, and warmly defended his staff. The settlement of the constitution of the secretariate would require time, and call for the exercise of great caution. OTHER SUBJECTS. (Received May 15. 11.25 p.m.) . London, May 15. Sir Robert Bond read a statement on the Newfoundland fisheries question. - : -.; : ;.;' ; ' Mr. Deakin* raised the question of the Wireless Telegraphy Convention;'- .-..--"■- .-•,•.' :""";'■";', Mr. Sydney Buxton explained the position of the colonies, and said their interests had been adequately protected, and he confidently expected the colonies would receive votes at the next Conference as they did in the Postal Convention.