The New Zealand Tablet. Fiat Justitia. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1878. THE COST OF GODLESSNESS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 262, 10 May 1878, Page 11

The New Zealand Tablet. Fiat Justitia. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1878. THE COST OF GODLESSNESS.

Uli contemporary, the Auckland Weekly JYetvs gives, in its issue of the 27th ult., some figures which, though not surprising to us, may be somewhat startling to the public in general. The. Provincial system of Government was abolished to save money; it was too expensive, its enemies said, and the state of the finances of the colony made it necessary to consult economy. Well the" econo-' mists have succeeded wonderfully and mysteriously • in consulting for economy. To the nine provinces have succeeded twelve boards of Education, half a hundred, or thereabouts, of comities and we know not how many other administrative liodios, all elected by the people to consult for economy. And tho way these representatives do their work is, first of all be.ore any real business of a public character is transacted, to appoint as many officers as possible, vote these largo salaries, and themselves liberal allowances for expenses. The result is that part ot the work done by the old provincial executives costs more than the wide used to cost. This is how the new system works out the cause of economy. The cost of godlessness isa striking case in point. Take Auckland for example Ihe cost in salaries of the old provincial Council of Auckland used to be £2075 ; the cost of the

officers of the new Uoard of Education amounts to £2500. This is pretty well for a beginning, and from it tbe public may estimate the future in store for them. The people of New Zealand may look forward to grinding trix-ation under the heels of loafing politicians who have no visible menus of support, and of a godless system of education which can only end in corrupting the hearts and stunting the intellects of the people.