South Canterbury Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1882.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2917, 1 August 1882, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1882.

A good deal of discontent exists in the police force just now, at the treatment they have received from the Government. It may be argued that all Jcivil servants as a body have had reason to be discontented. Bat there does seem some special reason for complaint in this case, for the Government had not acted as it should have done to the police. At the time of the “ great reduction ” on the Ist August, 1880, when all “ salary, pay, and wages in the Government service” were reduced by 10 per cent., not only was the pay reduced all round in the force, but a number of officers were degraded, inspectors being rated as sergeants, and sergeants as constables, &c. In consequence of this, some of the most valuable officers left the force in disgust rather than accept a lower status ; notably, Inspector Mallard, of Dunedin. And it was only with difficulty that the authorities were prevailed upon to recognise the long service and high character of the Inspector for this district, and to permit him to retain his rank. There was something like a refinement of cruelty too, displayed on this memorable occasion. The ingenious fiend who presided over the redactions, first degraded the officers, and then applied the reduction screw. This was too bad—a very reductio ad absurdum. Twelve months ago, the 10 per cent, was restored, and a deduction imposed of sixpence per diem ; but the restoration otherwise was incomplete and partial, for some of the degraded sergeants were never reatored to their former rank. The present pay of constables, according to grade is seven shillings, seven and sixpence, and eight shillings. That of sergeants is similarly eight and six, nine shillings, and nine and sixpence, and they not unnaturally ask for the restoration of the sixpence all round. The Government treated the police, in the first instance, in a bungling and somewhat shabby manner ; and when it is remembered how much the community owes to the force, it is not too much to hope that the Government will before long see their way to grant their very reasonable and modest wish. One very excellent reason for liberality in this direction is that the personnel of the force ought to be kept respectable. This it is now, but this it cannot be expected to continue if the Government shows a perpetual desire to lower the pay. The value of the police force does not alone consist in the number of arrests they make, but in the prevention of crime by vigilance. It is herein that the police render the best service to the community. This constant vigilance cannot be maintained except by men of undoubted integrity and devotion ; nor can any others exercise the moral influence which is as valuable in its way as the actual legal authority they wield. The duties of a policeman are not a little monotonous and disagreeable, and it speaks volumes for the members of the force that they should always, under such circumstances, be smart, efficient, and trustworthy. The millennial time has not yet arrived when we can do without police protection. Until it does arrive, we may as well do all in our power to increase the efficiency of the Force, and one of the means of doing so is something like fair and liberal treatment.

The meeting last night in aid of the Mansion House Relief Fund for the Jews now suffering persecution in Southern Russia, was not a large one in point of numbers, but it was most unanimous, and the speeches made were practical and to the point. It was very properly pointed out by the speakers that although the Russian government had not actually authorised the atrocities committed upon the persons and property of the Jews within its dominions, yet it was distinctly answerable for them, since they could never have occurred but for the criminal negligence of the authorities, who appeared unable or

unwilling to suppress them, We need not here dilate upon the shocking inhumanity of the persecutors. It is now only too well understood and realised by all civilized nations. But an extract from the “ Times,” read by the Rev. Mr Gillies touched upon one important point which seems to have escaped general notice. It is that by the barbarous action of the Government in expelling thousands of the Jews from its dominions, Russia is very seriously weakened, as she will sooner or later find out, to her cost. The Jews are admittedly a law-abiding, industrious, and generally prosperous people. No nation, however highly civilized, can afford to part with people of this stamp. They are, in fact, the chief commercial sinews of the community. Therefore, apart from the crime against humanity which the persecutors are committing, this persecution is a commercial and political blander, for it is drawing away industry and obedience, both of which qualities Russia just now stands sadly in need of. Mr Wakefield referred to the manner in which the Mansion House Relief Fund was being administered. It appears that unusual discretion is being exhibited in the appropriation of the money, and that already an immense amount of good has been done by the Committee. It is very satisfactory to know this, and most encouraging to intending subscribers. It is to be hoped that a creditable amount of money will be sent from this place in aid of an object so meritorious.