THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1880.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5760, 4 May 1880, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. TUESDAY, MAY 4, 1880.

Mr. Service and his colleagues appear to be displaying commendable energy in dealing with the difficulties which Mr. Berry has left them, and there is every appearance that the Victorians will have reason to congratulate themselves upon the change which has taken place. The scope of the measure for the reform of the Constitution has been decided on, and it is to be proceeded with so soon as Parliament shall re-assemble. It will probably require all Mr. Service's tact to carry it through, and it would not be surprising if thi3 attempt were to share the fate of the many others which have preceded it. The assistanco_of the Legisi_u.~ ovixiiuii is ituticipu,i«a, it is impossible at any time to predict what that body may do. As regards the public service the Government is evidently determined to keep it pure. Ithasalreadybeen intimated that Civil Servants will not be permitted to interfere at elections, and it's members have now been given to understand that the regulations regarding insolvents and those compounding with their creditors will be strictly enforced. It is nearly time that something were done, for there is scarcely one of them which has not been disregarded by one Government or another. One intention expressed by Mr. Service appears somewhat hard, but has the justification of necessity. There is to be no promotion in the Civil Service this year in consequence of the state of the finances, that is to say, no increment of salary. The evil of this decision will be that it will intensify the feeling of uncertainty that prevails in the service from the constant changes that are made, and which would not be necessary if the law and the regulations were always strictly enforced. At present, no member of it has that assurance of stability which it was the intention of the Legislature he should possess. The determination of the Treasurer is a sufficient proof that he does not like; the position of the finances, because he would be the last man to suppress a right if he could avoid it, and especially when that suppression takes something very much like the shape of repudiation. Had Mr. Berry proposed what Mr. Service is about to attempt, he would have had to encounter a storm of indignation. What Mr. Berry thinks of the treatment ho has received from the Age is sufficiently indicated by the fact that he has parted with his interest in the Geelong Advertiser, and has determined to start a paper in Melbourne to be the organ of the Liberal party. Mr. Berry has plenty of energy and capacity, and is far from devoid of journalistic ability, but tho task lie has set himself is a very arduous one. It will have the advantage of his popularity, which is very great, and he will have the opportunity, should he be so disposed, to make some very queer disclosures. But tho Age is very strong, and possesses a commanding influence, and it may bo questioned, therefore, whetlierMr. Berry's judgment is equal to his rosolution. The step he is about to take aflords an indication, howevor, that although the Liberals have been defeated they intend to make their opponents fight for the retention of their laurels.