GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3954, 24 December 1929, Page 61

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

AMALGAMATION OF DUTIES. WELLINGTON, December 20. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) stated to day that it has been decided to amalgamate the following Government departments:—Tourist and Health Resorts Department, Publicity Section of the Department of Internal Affairs and Industries and Commerce Department. The fact that the, position of general manager of Tourist and Health Resorts Department was vacated owing to the death of Mr B. M. Wifson, and that Mr J. W. Collins, secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, has been appointed to the position of New Zealand representative in Canada, facilitated the amalgamation of the two departments under one official head, stated Sir Joseph. The bringing together of these two departments under one depart mental head would enable the activities of the Tourist, Publicity, and Commerce Departments, which have hitherto been carried on more or less independently, to be properly co-ordinated not only in New Zealand but in Australia and abroad; and, in addition to increased efficiency, will lead to more economical management.

For some time past,” said Sir Joseph, it has been felt that the organisation of the trade representation in the Commonwealth of Australia could be considerably improved; and after careful consideration of New Zealand’s present representation in Australia and abroad, it has been decided to effect certain improved departmental. reorganisation. The selection of a special representative in Canada has already been announced. Without in any way affecting the Government’s policy in regard to facilitating shipping communication between Melbourne and New Zealand, but with the view of making more effective the control of the organisation, both from the trade, and tourist points of view, it has been decided to appoint a special officer from New Zealand to direct the whole of the Dominion’s representation in Australia. The officer selected will have his headquarters in Sydney instead of in Melbourne as heretofore Special consideration will be given to the question of furthering trade and commer cial interests between the two countries in addition to placing before the public of Australia New Zealand’s commercial possibilities and tShrist attractions.” Sir Joseph also stated that the proposed departmental amalgamation will facilitate the reorganisation and will not only lessen the present cost but at the same time render a more effective service in so far as the commercial interests of the Dominion are concerned. The importance of the tourist traffic will continue to receive special consideration, but it is considered that the development of commercial interests should receive more attention than has been the case in the past.

The Prime Minister added that the Public Service Commissioner would deal with the matter of reorganisation in so far as the staff proposals were concerned. Mr P. A. de la Perrelle will be the new Minister of the Tourist and Publicity Departments.