FALSE ECONOMY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3004, 10 February 1881, Page 3

FALSE ECONOMY.

[To the Editor of the Daily Telegbaph.] Sib, —I have just heard that the Government intend employing the police to collect the census and agricultural statistics of the colony. This, from an economical point, may be deemed a saving to the country, but to my mind it is a positive loss, perhaps not financially so; still, I hold that in country districts where there is only one constable to preserve and uphold the dignity of the law that, during the absence of the constable, such places Will be left without any protection whatever, for it is an impossibility for a policeman to be in various places at one time, and if he is collecting the agricultural statistics and the census it must be done at a decided neglect of his police duties. And, again, it the constable can be spared from his natural duties for a given period to attend to the things before alluded to, is it not possible that his services might be dispensed with altogether, and the country relieved from paying for that which it would appear there is no necessity for ? In short, I may say that, if the system as proposed h carried out, it clearly indicates that the services of the country police to a great extent can be dispensed with. This, I am free to admit, is only made manifest by the proposition spoken of, and I should regret to see any reduction in the force; at the same time I do think they should be kept strictly to the duties appertaining to their office.-—I am, &c,

Scrutator Napier, February, 9th 1881.