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Hokitika Guardian, 27 December 1929, Page 4

The decision of the Government to combine and reorganise the Tourist, Publicity mid. Commerce Departments under one head, is a particularly good move. Apart from the fact of the saving in more economical administration and the co-ordination in the direction of the departmental operations, Sir Joseph Ward, .alert as to the commercial possibilities of increased trade with Australia, has made a wise selection of the New Zealand representative to take up the organisation in the ConimouweaiLh. ... Mr L. J. Schmidt has been chosen—-a very wise choice indeed. Mr Schmidt has been an important officer in the Commerce and Industries Department, and lately Employers’ representative in the Arbitration Court. He thus has a first hand knowledge of the trade and industry of the Dominion, and should prove a very well informed representative in all matters ol possible trade with Australia Mr Schmiut lias also covered most ol New Zealand, and is we IT versed in its tourist attractions, so that lie will '/e an excellent publicity officer to advertise the attractions of New Zealand Tlie headquarters are to be at Sydney instead of Melbourne, as heretofore, another wise move, as the New South Wales centre offers also trading possibilities with the Pacific Islands and Japan The organiser selected will not be slow to recognise the openings wnicli will be afforded by operating from such a populous centre as Sydney The Government action is in keeping with the business movements to he expected from Sir Joseph Ward who is essentially a business man and knows the promising possibilities with closer relations with Australia. The two countries have much in common. There is a good deal of financial intercourse at times between the two places and these relations should also carry with them greater trade and commeree Mr Schmidt has a special knowledge of tariffs, and will he a useful adviser in respect to any adjustment considered necessary to advance possible trading relations. The Government is certainly to lie commended for the latest step announced in respect to the matters here referred to.