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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1180, 20 October 1882, Page 2

It appears to us that the system of conferring testimonials upon every Government officer who has to be removed from one district to another is becoming a perfect nuisance, and the sooner the Government see their way clear to put a stop to such an obnoxious practice the better it will be fur the people’s pockets which are constantly being emptied towards contributing to a class of men who are not only well paid but well clothed and well fed at the expense of the country, and with comparatively little or nothing to do. We see that the Government—no doubt for some wise reason or other, hidden under the Ministerial breasts of the honourable the members of the Cabinet -have thought proper to order the removal of Mr. Inspector Broham from Christchurch to Timaru, to relieve Mr. Inspector Pender who has been removed back to Christchurch. We observe from our Southern files that Mr. Inspector Bkoham left for Timaru a few days ago, and that before his departure the members of the Police had arranged to present him with a handsome clock and candelabra, but the testimonial was declined. We admire Mr. Broham for declining the presentation, although it was probably meant as a hearty and spontaneous offer of respect to that gentleman on his leaving the district. Mr. Pender, on the other hand, has been offered and accepted a purse of sovereigns on the event of nis being removed from Timaru to Christchurch. Mr. Pender seems to do a good business in the testimonial line, because if we are not greatly mistaken, we remember his.having a good heavy purse of sovereigns presented to him when he left Christchurch for Timaru some years ago. There can be no doubt as to Mr. Peter Pender’s efficiency as an Officer of Police, that we think few can deny, but why the public should be called upon every time of that gentleman’s removal from one district to another, to subscribe their quota towards keeping him in luxury, we are at a loss to understand. In the “Auckland Evening Star” we find the following fulsome notice recorded with reference to the removal of Seargent- | Major Pardy from Auckland to New Plyl mouth :—“ We understand that steps are being taken to present Sergeant-major Pardy j with a complimentary address and accomI panying purse of sovereigns, prior to his de- . parture for New Plymouth, as a mark of the i nigh respect in which he is held by the public :of Auckland. The presentation of testi- ' monials has grown to be an event of the | commonest occurrence, and bids fair to beI come a perfect nuisance, and, therefore, the I tesmonial to Mr Pardy is only a slight re- ; cognition of his zeal, affability, and thorough i efficiency as a police officer, and but a feeble j vehicle for the expression of the esteem felt | for and confidence reposed in him by the in- • habitants of this district. He has been ’ stationed here for the last twelve years, and > during the larger portion of that time, as Sub-inspector and Sergeant-major, he has conducted the criminal business m the police court with an ability equal to that of the average barrister, whilst many smart cap tures and clever detections of ingenious crimes may be pointed to in proof of his vigilance, shrewdness and tact. Mr Pardy hogan his career in Victoita, and since • then has served with distinction both at Christchurch aud here. His departure is rui garded with unaffected regret, and the people ■ of New Plymouth may be felicitated upon their good fortune in obtaining the services of so capable an officer. We trust the ■ monetary presentation will be worthy the • city, and significant of its regard for the I intended recipient. Subscriptions for the j purpose may be left at this offi ;e, and will I be duly ackuowleged. The a> dr ss also lies i at our office for signature.” Comment is ' needless, and we unly trust that the public i have not been sufficiently gulled to render the testimonial in question a “big success.” We shall wait, however, and sue the result.