RETRENCHMENT.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 219, 21 February 1866, Page 3

RETRENCHMENT.

TO THE EDITOB OF THE SOTJTH__JTD TIMES. Sib, — I think it most necessary that in the forthcoming session of the Provincial Council, the subject of reduction in the estimates should be a prominent feature. It is quite obvious that at the present rate of departmental expenditure (I am taking the Customs as the basis of my calculations, as compared , with the estimates passed by the Council last session ) there will not be the • slightest chanc&of there ever being a surplus that can be devoted to any public undertaking — such as the formation of roads, streets, or other works of utility ; and it is equally obvious that unless some very efficient check is 'put upon the known tendency of some of those in authority, the Province will be plunged into worse difficulties than has ever yet been encountered. It is all very well for interested parties to cry down re-union with Otago, but I am much mistaken if it would not be beneficial to the people of this province, especially to the hard-working industrious farmer, and all those whose interests do not immediately lie in the vicinity of the Government buildings if such a change should take place. I think, Sir, if we gravely come to reflect that every penny of revenue we raise in the province goes to pay a number of officials, for no other purpose than perpetuating a rotten system of red-tapisism, the sooner this system is put an end to the better. It cannot be supposed that the General Government will always continue to give us land to carry on railway works, as every acre so alienated lessens the security of that Government for the debts it has guaranteed. Supposing that this should happen — that the General Government refused to part with any of its security — what are our means of existing as a province, and finding employment for those immigrants who may be attracted to our shores ? None : beyond the casual wants of the settlers. I trust that new vigor will be infused into the Council, the Government called to account, and a sharp eye kept to the reduction of the estimates. — I am, Sir, your's, &c, An Obsebveb. Invercargill, 17th Feb., 1866.