SALARIES TO PUBLIC SERVANTS.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 52, 29 June 1870, Page 4

SALARIES TO PUBLIC SERVANTS.

TO THE EDJTOE OB THE 'N.ELSON EXAMINEE.' Sie — In your report of the Council proceedings in your last issue, on my moving the adoption of the Report of the Select Committee appointed to inquire into the conduct of the Police on the West Coast, I appear to have said, " I could not help, however, drawing attention to what had been said by one officer on the Coast, that since his salary had been reduced, he did not feel called upon to do his duty so fully." It should have read, " the Inspector of Police," meaning Inspector Shallcrass. I wish, sir, to correct this mistake, because it would appear to me expedient that the- public should know how little some of these servants deem it necessary to give an equivalent in work for the pay they receive. This remark was made by the Inspector when before the Committeo, and was made in answer to some questions on tho state of the Police qn» the West Coast. The words he made use of were, that " After the way the Council had Berved him last session, by reducing his salary, he could not be expected to take that interest in these matters, relating to the polico on the coast, which ho should otherwise have done." I presume he considered it sufficient return for the £260, to inspect the seven men in Nelson. We are sometimes told that if their salaries are reduced, the officers will be disgusted with the service, and throw up their appointments. I think, sir, that as soon as they hold such views as the above, the sooner they throw them up the better. I am, &c., June 24, 1870. Wit. Gibbs, M.P.C.