The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 1909.

Evening Star, Issue 14117, 21 July 1909, Page 4

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 1909.

A deputation from the Dunodin Law Society will interview The Stamp the Hon. Dr Findlay Department, to-morrow in order to deprecate the proposed changes in connection with the local administration of the Stamp Department. The objectors have a strong case, and though the Minister cannot be expected to pledge the Cabinet to a reversal of the new arrangements, we feel sure that his natural candor and reasonableness will lead him to admit that there is good ground for reconsidering the matter. The changes are supposed to have been dictated by motives of economy, but the validity of this plea is, to say the least, extremely dubious. Retrenchment in the Public Service is admittedly necessary, and no one would resent having to put up with a certain amount of inconvenience if a material saving were • likely to be effected wihout any serious disorganisation of business. In point of fact, the alterations would cause dis-

organisation without the saving. The virtual abolition of the stamp offices in the centres outside Wellington is an instance of a centralising tendency which we are inclined to regard with jealous disapproval, especially when (as in this case) it is associated with irksome and irritating conditions. Such conditions will certainly be involved in the transference of the custody of all stamps to the Post Office and the centralisation in Wellington of all business connected with ihe estates of deceased persons. The details relating to the prospective inconvenience and expense, will be fully explained to Dr Pindlay to-morrow, but it may be stated generally that past experience does not cause Duncdin lawyers and men of business to relish the idea of having to increase the volume of their correspondence with the departmental offices at Wellington. The proposals have excited hostile feeling in other parts of the Dominion, and the President of the Christohurch Law Society' (Mr BesAvick) observes: If the documents have to go to the District Land Registrar to have the duty assessed, and then go to the Post Office to be stamped, it will entail a great deal more work, which possibly will have to be paid for by the people for whom the work is done. With regard to deceased persons' estates, the proposed alteration will certainly make matters more expensive. We shall have to communicate with AVellington, and in many cases probably have to employ agents in Wellington.

It is no sufficient answer to say that the parties directly interested wiil have to pay for the work which they require to be done, and that the people as a whole are not concerned in the matter. It is for the people as a whole that the various departments of the Public Service are provided, and the people pay taxes and fees for maintenance, and there is no reason why Wellington should have a monopoly of normal facilities. Undesirable. centralisation, doubtful economy, and general awkwardness may be said to characterise the proposed change of system, and wo hope that Dr Findlay will be able to assure the Law Society that the whole matter will be reconsidered.