Political.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1056, 26 May 1892, Page 38

Political.

A NEW GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO.

MR REEVES TO BE MINISTER OF LABOUR. MR C ADM AN TO TAKE OVER NATIVE AFFAIRS AND JUSTICE. The Government, after due consideration, have resolved to constitute foithwith a portfolio of Labour, and to place it in charge of the Hon Mr Reeves, who will at the same time continue his administration of the Department of Education, and also take over the Marine Department from Mr Cadman. The effect of these changes will, of course, place the Labour Bureau under the supervision of Mr Reeves, whos9 duty it will be to represent the interests of labour in the same way th?.t the Minister of Agriculture represents the farming interests. Statistics relating to questions of labour will be systematically collated by the new departments and an annual report will be prepar. d for submission to Parliament. It is probable that a Bill will be introduced next session to provide for the collection of these statistics, and to enable evidence to be obtained with regard to the condition of labour throughout the country. From the substantial work which is now being done by the Bureau of Labour, it is believed that, given the extension of power which is sought for, the Department of Labour will become one of the most important of Government portfolios. The exchange of portfolios between Mr Reeves and Mr Cadman is consequent upon the decision of the Government that Mr Cadman shall have control of Native affairs, and he takes over the Department of Justice in order that administration of che Native Land Courts, which is incorporated with that department, may also be in his hands. He also retains his supervision of hospitals and charitable aid.