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1931. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS AND PUBLICITY (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Hon. the Minister in Charge of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts and Publicity to His Excellency the Governor-General. Wellington, 23rd July, 1931. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the report of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts and Publicity for the year ended 31st March, 1931. P. A. de la Perrelle, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts and Publicity. His Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST AND HEALTH RESORTS AND PUBLICITY. Sir, — Wellington, 23rd June, 1931. I have the honour to submit the following report on the organization and work of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, with which is now incorporated the Publicity Department, for the year ended 31st March, 1931. Following previous practice, a separate report is submitted in respect of the Department of Industries and Commerce. I have, &c., G. W. Clinkard, General Manager. The Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts and Publicity.

ANNUAL REPORT. Organization and Staff. The amalgamation of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts, the Department of Industries and Commerce, and the Publicity Department was made effective in April, 1930. It was immediately evident that efficient and economical administration demanded that the Head Offices should be brought together in the same premises. Suitable modern offices were secured at a rental appreciably lower than that payable for the separate premises previously occupied, and substantial savings in staff costs were also secured as a direct result of the consolidation of the several offices. The amalgamation has also made possible certain economies at Branch offices. The reorganization has been carried out without friction, and with the loyal support of the controlling officers. At the same time important staff changes were made in the Department's representation overseas. Mr. L. J. Schmitt took up duty, with headquarters in Sydney, as Trade and Tourist Commissioner in Australia. Mr. H. J. Manson, C.M.G., who previously acted in a similar capacity, with headquarters at Melbourne, retired from the Service. A review of our Australian staffing and methods made it possible to reduce staff costs in the Commonwealth by a substantial sum, while increased duties placed upon the staff in Sydney have resulted in the elimination of heavy payments previously made to private interests. Mr. J. W. Collins, previously Secretary for Industries and Commerce, left New Zealand in April, 1930, to carry out the duties of Trade and Tourist Commissioner in Canada and the United States, with headquarters at Toronto.

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