Samoa-Cook Is.
p. 62 · Read in the full issue
N.Z. Prime Minister Takes Over Control
AN important change in the adminis trative control of native affairs of the territories administered by New Zea land —Samoa and Cook Islands —was an nounced at the end of February.
The Cook Is. Department has been transferred to the Department of External Affairs and is now under the direction of the Prime Minister (Hon. G. W. Forbes).
As Minister of External Affairs, Minister of Native Affairs and Minister in Charge of the Cook Islands, Mr. Forbes will have general Ministerial responsibility for all native matters.
The secretary of the Cook Is. Depart ment, Mr. S. J. Smith, will continue to hold that position under the direction of the permanent head of the Prime Minis ter’s Department, Mr. C. A. Berendsen.
The latter officer is also secretary of Ex
ternal Affairs, and in that capacity is chief administrative officer in New Zea land of Samoan affairs.
In referring to the change, Mr. Forbes said it would be of advantage to Islands administration in Rarotonga and Samoa to co-ordinate effort. It would also give greater opportunities and experience to officers engaged in the Islands services.