AMALGAMATION

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1929, Page 8

AMALGAMATION

DEPARTMENTS TRADE AND TOURISTS. WELLINGTON, Dec. 20. The Prime Minister stated to-day that it had been decided to amalgamate the following Government Departments:—The Tourist and Health Resorts Department, the Publicity Section of the Department of Internal Affairs, anu the Industries and Commerce Department. The fact that the position of General Manager of the Tourist and Health Resorts Department was vacant, owing to the death of Mr Wilson and that Mr J. W. Collins (Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce) had 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 Departmental head, would enable the activities of the Tourist, Publicity and Commercial 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, it 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 in Australia and abroad, it has been decided to effect certain improved Departmental reorganisation. The selection of a Special Kepresentative iri Canada has already been announced.” He continued:—“Without in any way affecting the Government’s policy in regard to facilitating shipping communication between Melbourne and New Zealand, but with a view to making more effective the .control of organisation, both from the trade and tourist points, 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 the trade and commercial interests between the two countries, in addition to placing before the public of Australia, New Zealand’s commercial possibilities and tourist attractions.”

Sir Joseph Ward also stated that the proposed. Departmental amalgamation will facilitate reorganisation, and will not only lessen the present cost, but at the same time, will render a more effective service, in so far as 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 staged that the Public Service Commissioner would deal with tile matter of the reorganisation in so far as the staff proposals were concerned. Hon. P. A. De La Perelle will be, the new Minister of the Tourist and Publicity Departments.