CABINET CHANGES

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1929, Page 8

CABINET CHANGES

POSTMASTER-GEN EE AL’ S PORTFOLIO. TAKEN BY PRIME MINISTER. WELLINGTON, December 14. Tlio Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Wsiril), announces that- consequent upon the appointment of the Hon. T. M. Wilford as High Commissioner for New Zealand and the resignation by him of his portfolios, the following changes in the Ministerial offices had been decided upon : The Hon. T. K. Sitley, M.L.C., to be Minister of Justice and Minister in Charge of Police and the Prisons Department. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe relinquishes the portfolio of Industries and Commerce and becomes Minister of Defence. The Hon. J. B. Donald relinquishes the portfolio of Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs and becomes Minister of Industries and Commerce. The Eight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward re.linquishes the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts and becomes Post-master-General and -Minister of Telegraphs. The Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle assumes control of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department. In referring to these changes the Prime Minister stated that as the Defence portfolio was a heavy one it was desirable that Mr Cobbe should be relieved off one of, liis present offices and in view of Mr Donald’s long and extensive business experience it was fitting that the position of Minister of Industries and Commerce should be entrusted to him.

Explaining the reason why he was taking the Postmaster-Generalship, Sir Joseph Ward said that from 1891 to 189(1, and again from 1892 to 1912 he held this portfolio. “It can readily be understood,” he said “ that my interest in the postal department, which grew gradually over all those years, has been maintained. Since I have been Prime Minister, it has been repeatedly brought under my notice that there are varying conditions of employment in the different Government departments, without, apparently, any reason for the differentiation. So that I may have an opportunity of examining the question* in detail I have decided to take over the portfolio of Post-master-General, and arrange for' a full investigation of the reasons if any for the difference in the treatment of the various departments, as the matter should he cleared up early. My previous experience as Postmaster-Gener-al will enable me to do this with greater ease than, if I had to approach the subject de novo. At first glance it seems to be rather unusual that a railway porter rises in five years to an adult’s wage (£4 Os 8d a week) whereas a postman in the same time reaches a wage of £2 6s only. These and similar questions have been coming under my notice for some time, and I propose to have them fully inquired into at once. It will be remembered that Parliament agreed last session that the question of the wages of public servants (should be inquired into during the recess.”

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S HEALTH “The Prime Minister is doing surprisingly well,” said the Hon. W. Taverner, Minister of Railways, on Saturday, when speaking of the health of Sir Joseph Ward. Mr Taverner added that he had seen Sir Joseph on Friday and the Prime. Minister although confined to his rooms, was doting a great deal of business. A Cabinet meeting will be held in Wellington next Thursday. Mr Taverner will go through to Wellington on Wednesday night in order to he present. *