A New Government Portfolio

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 139, 21 May 1892, Page 2

A New Government Portfolio

The Government, after due consideration, have resolved to constitute forthwith a portofolio 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 Buiean under the supervision of MiReeves, whose duty it -will be to represent the interests of labour in the same way that the Minister of Agriculture represents the farming interests. Statistics relating to questions of labour will be systematically collated by the new department and an annual report will be prepared for submission to Parliament. It is probable that a Bill will be introduced next session to proyide for the collection of these statistics, and to enable evidence to be obtained with regard te the condition of labour throughout the country. From the substaatial 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 i 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 the Native Land Courts, which is incorporated with that department, may alao be in his hands. He also retains his supervision of hospitals and charitable aid.