THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 124, 23 October 1874, Page 2

THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT.

To the Editor of the Olobe. Sir, — The New Zealand Times has written some very “tall talk ”f about the disinterestedness of Mr Vogel in taking part in public affairs for the good of the public alone. I have no doubt that Mr Vogel, like many other leading men (Mr Stafford, for instance, and Mr John Hall, not to many others) has taken to politics, impelled considerably by that kind of feeling which ia very difficult to describe in words, but which no doubt animates many leading statesmen in any country. However, it ia just as well, I think, that the taxpayers of the country, should know, how very well the wheels are greased. I will give as near as I can the figures involved in the expenditure in the maintenance of the two leading members of the present “ all for the public good” government. They are as follows: Mr Vogel’s salary £2750 Travelling expenses, &c ... ... 750 New house and furniture for Premier 4000 Mr Richardson’s salary ... ... 1250 New house, &c ... ... ... ... 3000 Travelling expenses ... ... ... 150 £11,900 I think no Due will doubt that these two gentlemen are very comfortably provided for by an indulgent country. With regard to the Hon Mr Richardson especially it may be noted as very comfortable. This gentleman, during the contest for his seat, was put up. as being a thoroughly independent member,, and his opponent was declared to be going in simply for a Government appointment. I don’t for one moment wish to insinuate anything against Mr Richardson, as I believe he. has done great service, to the Premier particularly. I simply wish you to publish what very few, I fancy, of the general public are aware—viz, that our leading statesmen and representatives know how to take care of themselves. Even those gentlemen who are so loud in condemnation of the pretty little present they received of £l5O each for eight weeksAvork, don’t seem to care about “parting,” notwithstanding all the stir and indignation they have shown, that the Government should dare to throw £l5O of public money into each of their pockets. If I saav that some of those gentlemen gave, say £SO, to the libraries of the district they represent, I should then believe in their disinterestedness ; but as it is, the least one can say of their opposition is, that it is all “bunkum.” Yours, &c, BUNKUM.