ALLOCATION OF DEPARTMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2734, 8 August 1906, Page 47

ALLOCATION OF DEPARTMENTS.

WELLINGTON, August 6. The allocation of departments to be controlled by Ministers, ro addition to those embraced by their portfolios, has been. made as follows: — Sir J. G. Ward: Old-age Pensions, Land and Income Tax. Advances to Settlers, Public Trust, Tourist and Health Resorts. Hon. W. Hall-Jonee: Roads and Government Printing Office. Hon. A. Pitt : Life, Accident, and Fire In» surauco. Hon. J. A. Millar : Inspection of Machinery. Hon. R. M'Xab: Lands Purchase under the Lands for Settlement* Act, Forestry, and Valuation. Hon. J. M'Gowan, Cook Islands. Hon. G. Fowlds: Hospitals and charitable - aid and allied institutions.

THE PREMIER INTERVIEWED.

Interviewed to-night by a New Zealand Times representative, Sir Joseph Ward l said: — "I -have endeavoured to give the colony a strong Ministry. I felt that in the interest* of the country this waa desirable. If the Ministry is viewed individually and collectively I think it wil] bo seen that what ha-s been done gives effect to my intention. Some suggestkme nave been made about the views entertained by different 6ectiors« of tbo MinUtry, but it must be remembered that upon Questions of policy the majority of mem beta of a. Ministry decide. I have no sympathy with efforts to underrate any one member of a Ministry on account of his views on particular questions. All the Ministers Sr« .

men of common sense, practical knowledge, good judgment, and sterling ability. I feel confident that our united efforts will he found to be exercised in advancing the interests of all sections of the community. I would like to say I am much indebted to _my friends and old colleagues, Messrs Milk and Duncan, for the assistance they have given me. They have acted in a way I will never forget, and were most considerate. As to the future, there is little I can say just now. The cession will not be a prolonged one for several reasons. One is that the International Exhibition as to be opened on November 1. I hope to be able to bring down the Financial Statement during the first week of the session. The matter cf the appointment of a Minister of the Maori race to the Ministry has been held over. Nothing trill be done at present, as I want time to inquire into the position before deciding what to do. No one nae a place in the Ministry without a portfolio. The statement has been made that I have been telegraphing all over the colony making inquiries about the feeling towards Ministers. This is not so; I have done what I believe to be the best in the country's interests."