The Evening Star SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1875.

Evening Star, Issue 3820, 22 May 1875, Page 2

The Evening Star SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1875.

7 ith the exception of Mr Bastings, who held ( ffioe in the Turnbull Government, and Mr Wood, who has had official experience in Southland, the new Executive comprises all new men, and it would be manifestly unfair to discuss their capabilities before they have had an opportunity to ?how what they really are. We, however, have not forgotten the way in which, in like circ Distances, Mr Fish once criticised Mr Green, with, whom he now takes office. Neither can we help saying that Mr Moody is fortunate to find himself a full-blown Treasurer a fortnight after his entrance into public life. Of course the great work to which the new Ministry have to address themselves is the re-adjuat-ment of the Estimates, so that the requirements of every district shall be fully met, and all cause of dissatisfaction. North and South, be entirely removed. The fi. at items on the Estimates which will come ©n for revision must be the hxecutive Salaries. These stood at £1,925, viz.; Provincial Secretary, £6OO ; Treasurer, Goldfields Secretary, and Provincial Solicitor, each £400; and one non-official, £125. Now there will be three executive officers, each, we presume, at £4OO, one at £6OO, and two at £125 each, with fees for a Provincial Solicitor, which will run to, say at least, £550, making the new Government cost £675 more than the old. We do not say this is too much, or that the new men will not prove themselves so much more valuable than the old. Certainly, if they contrive to satisfy the wants of North and South Otago without unduly dissatisfying the districts between, we do nob think the country will at all begrudge the extra cost.