THE POLIOS ESTIMATES.

Evening Star, Issue 2886, 20 May 1872, Page 3

THE POLIOS ESTIMATES.

To the Editor. g IR( _As the estimates will be brought under consideration during the course of this week, with your permission I would, through your columns, lay a plain statement of facts before the Provincial Council and the general public with regard to the 'claim which the police force have established at the hands of the inhabitants of this Province. It will be in the recollect’on of your readers that in 1870 the Council reduced the pay of the members of the police force by one shilling a ’day—the consequence being that when the estimates were brought before the Council in common with other departments they suffered a reduction ; and through the premature action of the head of the department, a double loss was entailed upon them. ~ Thera is an old saying that comparisons are odious,” but when the relative positions of the Police and Gaol Departments are contrasted, this old adage will not apply. The rate of pay for warders in the Dunedin Gaol ranges from 8s to 12s a day ; in the police force from 7s to 10s 6d. In drawing this comparison let it be distinctly understood that I do not consider the warders are overpaid. I might mention that originally these two branches of the Civil Service were placed on the same footing ; and I think, when all tbiass are considered, that if there should bs a difference it ought to be in favor of the police, who are liable to many losses to which the warders in the Gaol are not exposed. In the first place the outfit and expenses entailed upon a policeman joining the force, before entering upon his duties, are something more than is generally credited ; and, in the second place, in the event of a policeman travelling on duty through the country districts, his daily expenses would be at least 7s 6d a-day, and the consequent result would be a clear loss of 6d for every day he was so engaged. In connection with this matter it is a notorious fact that labouring men in this Province are receiving from 8s to 10s a-day. One would naturally imagine that a body of men whose especial duty it is to look after life and property should be paid more than ordinary laborers. In my opinion, sir, in common justice, the police force of Otago should be restored to the position in which the head of the department placed thejn when on taking office fas I pbserved before) he reduced them—that is, that they should be subject to only one reduction. In conclusion, sqr, I would urge upon the Provincial Council aqd the Government to -see that justice is done to the Constabulary of this Province; for I am convinced that inless some inducement is held out to those who have faithfully served the public for many years, there will be a considerable diminution of good men, and persons will be taken on to supply their places who will not have the confidence of the public; and, once confidence is lost, farewell to all feeling of security. Trusting you will excuse the length of this letter.—l am, &c. Citizen. May 20.