HOW THE LITTLE GAME IS PLATED IN SOUTHLAND.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 221, 26 February 1866, Page 3

HOW THE LITTLE GAME IS PLATED IN SOUTHLAND.

TO THE EDITOB OP THE SOOTHI/ASD TIMES. Sib, — I am very glad to find you have plainly stated the principle upon which correspondents will be treated. I was beginning to think the familiar quotation, sic transit gloria mundi, was peculiarly applicable to the fading glories of the Southland press. I now feel that I may speak my mind without restraint, and will at once proceed to illustrate "How the Little Grame is Played in Southland." It is possible that many of your readers are ignorant, or only partially informed, as to what takes place behind the scenes, and how it is that the same salaries are paid to officials, in some cases even, more, than was the case when there was five times as much departmental duty to be performed. For the past two years each Government has been prolific in promises, that there should be great reduction made in the estimates, that some departments should be abolished or amalgamated with others, and retrenchment made the pivot of administrative action, that experience gained from past extravagance would be put to a good account, and possible done to restore confidence and regain our lost credit. But how lamentably have we realized the fact that ministerial promises are "like pie crusts made to be broken," that no dependence can be placed upon the most solemn pledges, the oft-reiterated assertions of the government of their intentions — intentions existing only in words — are too notorious to be passed over. Well, Sir; I will proceed without further comment, to show how the " rosy little game" is played, and how it is that no reductions are made in the salaries of •officials, or their number limited. In the first place, scarcely one of I;he " Inns " considers his dignity properly supported, os his his self-love duly

appreciatel unleta he has his regular number of followers — sycophants who may be sem hurrying to the sunshine of his superior's smil® and like the jesters of by-go ne times, jerk out scandle ad libitum to their patron, who is popularly supposed to be engaged in his official duties, and attending to the interest of the public at large. But, kind reader, do you think the interests of the province crosses the mind of our well-paid officials . Not a bit of it. He is too high minded and enlightened an individual for that. He sees too clearly that it is an imperative duty, incumbent upon him as a respectable member of society, and a credited legislator, to despise public opinion, and treat with the utmost indifference any grievance that may be brought under his notice requiring redress. Well, to continue — the Council approaches, and the first idea that strikes our truly enlightened officials, is to hunt up a working majority. To that end all sorts of manoeuvres are put into requisition, and the nicest tact required to keep the working of the "rosy little game" from public notice. Each v ember of the Council is literally "touted," figuratively " body-snatched," for you must know that it is part of the duty of our official to tout for votes, whilst the Council is in session. As soon as the necessary number of dupes are obtained to overpower all opposition, then the "rosy little game " is perpetrated with the most perfect impunity — jobbery becomes triumphant, unworthy dodges, that most men would blush for, are accounted masterpieces of diplomacy, the healthy expression of the opinion of the Council is snubbed and crushed, and the " favorites" continue to enjoy their salaries undisturbed, being perfectly aware that " their bright particular star" is in the ascendant. I will return, with your permission to the subject, and expose the whole system of rottenness. I am, Sir, yours, &c, ARGUS. February 22, 1866.