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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 5, Issue 235, 30 November 1861, Page 3

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GOVERNMENT SALARIES AND RETRENCHMENT.

To the JSditor of the Hawke's Bay Herald. Sib, — The rabid tone of an article in the Times of the 21st inst., on these subjects, demands something more than a passing notice. There is a maxim extant that " the reason which justifies persuades," and I would ask the writer of the article in question if he thinks himself " justified " in recommending so wholesale a slaughter of both offices and salaries under the Provincial Government ? If so, why does he not " persuade " with some of that reason which, he says, " cries " *o"loud to "abolish them?" The Times, too, asserts that these oifices " were gradually created by the late Superintendent," and endeavours to -show, a priori, that they are now useless, and be■cause the land sales are less ! This is a mental abortion ! The land sales fill the exchequer as plentifully now as ever! And if they do not, would that "justify" the abolition of the provincial staff nolens volens ? Surely the Government has some among its "host of drones" whose offices •are necessary — who are not overpaid. It cannot be maintained that these offices are to be abolished . and the Government left without employees ! Or is it that some of the hungry advocates of the

Times would wish to fill the gaps so made — cheap ? Combining (who knows ?) the duties of a Government appointment with those of Draper's assistant and quid nunc. Eor the Times to issue its periodical fulminations without the aid of" devils" — is one thing j for a Government to have efficient officers — is another. I aver that if the Times were sincere it would, as a political scavenger, take up the dirt where 'tis thickest. It would cull instances of those who receive, unearned, a pecuniary benefit in the extravagant use of the public funds.

But that game would not suit the Times, having its eye really on the ripe fruit — not on the rotten. And now, Mr. Times,~c&n. you advance any reason which will "justify " or "persuade " why Government officers should not be as well paid for their talents as contractors for stationery and printing for their goods ? Are you prepared to support those men who will go into the Council pledged to oppose the neat little sums which find their way into the pockets of some not altogether disinterested in your welfare ? Can you deny that it is the first duty of a Government to seek faithful servants — not so much how cheaply as how advantageously a man's abilities may be hired ? And mark! That that Government serves best the public weal which, on having such "'good men and true,' it pays-them well, and offers inducements to keep them in the service. Reason cries this is not the true quarter for retrenchment ! And although the Times has a concluding growl at the end of its article, it is harmless against the united voices of the Candidates at the late nomination, who {before the election, mind !) determined to support the present salaries ! __ Sir, the most indignant are not always the most virtuous. In this lam borne out by an unlucky question put to Mr. Colenso at the nomination by by a well known place hunter, "If he (Mr. C.) had not worked himself into the Treasurership ?" " Yes," said Mr. Colenso, " the pne you applied for and did'nt get." Of course this puritan Diogenes wished everybody ' out of his sunshine,' snd retired, not into his tub, but into the shade of his own hypocrisy. Do not these things make it obvious why assailants against officials and their Balaries are so numerous ? Does the Times claim any higher, purer motives ? I pause for a reply. I am, &c, O. P. S.