The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1880.

Temuka Leader, Issue 303, 12 October 1880, Page 2

The Temuka Leader TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1880.

The action of the Government in removing and dismissing public servants is a duty which the Government have very carefully considered. It is not taken by surprise when it experiences opposition from local parties. So long as the evil is kept away from our own doors we remain quite indifferent about any spoilation that may be taken place in other quarters. When Mr Guinness was removed from Temuka not a word from the Tiraaru press was heard against it, but now that Mr Beetham is to be removed to Christchurch a great noise is raised against his removal. Why should this be ? We hold that it is a good thing to change public servants from time to time. A long stay in one place cannot fail to form associations that make it very difficult for any man, however good his intentions, to discharge his duty fearlessly. .Resident Magistrates are not exempted from the effects arising from long acquaintansbip, therefore we think it a good thing that the Government are making exchanges o these and other public servants ; also that it is carrying out the resolution to retrench even here. The mire thoroughly they do the work the better the result, and the more chance for the Governm nt to receive credit for its work. Mr Beetham may be a good average magistrate. We do not think him anything more, and we do not see where Tiraaru is to suffer from the change. However, were it even so, it is but just that less favored districts should get a share of the good things go ng. The 1 ng period of misrule which Tiraaru lived under makes it value good work when it comes its way, hence the cry against the Government lor malting these sweeping changes. Another matter of greater importance is the redactions and changes that are taking place in our Police force. No man of intelligence will grudge being taxed to keep up a good police force. At one time the Otago Provincial Cour.cil raised ?|a cry against the police because they looked too respectable, and wore too good a ccat. This was shortly after the V.dorian police were being drafted to Otago to Wi.tch over the goldfields. The appearance of,the men was really a treat to see. Not only were they well dressed, but they had an intelligent appearance, which bespoke the being far above such a class of men as some of our Timaru contemporaries picture out. This has somewhat altered since the reduction in pay took place, yet we have still good reason to be proud of our police. But, on the other hand, it is quite possible the force may be over-officered. Very high salaried Commissioners or Superintendents we do not need. Steady painstaking Inspectors are a necessity to the force, and we trust the Government will not reduce their number very much. Altogether, we think it very unwise of anv community to interfere just now with the Government in carrying out the resolution passed by last General Assembly When we hear of petitions here and petitions there, it xnakes us stand up in the Government behalf. It is well known that the expenses pf governing the Colony have been too large, arid that dismissals must take place, as well as reductions, in order to bring down the public account to a point which will

secure the payment of the same. I£ railway officials and ,other civil servants are shorn of their lo.eksj why should Commissioners of Police Resident Magistrates pot have their turn as well. W,e hope the next step will be to fix definitely—or something like definitely—the charges made by lawyers. Some are indeed very moderate, others are most extravagant and uncivil in the bargain. In any other prof, ssion, if such conduct was practised, or such arrogance or uncivility indulged in, their business would soon pass from them. It does not do so with lawyers, except in very exceptional cases. A definite sum fixed by Government for discharge of various duties would be hailed by the general public as a boon which cannot be overestimated. A step in this direction would be better than crippling our police force, which is only holding out a premijm for crime. As with publicans we hold that any or body, or craft, which holds a Government warrant or license, should, like the publican, have strict rules *aid down for them to go by, and any deviation from those rules should be met with summary punishment, or withdrawal of license. If this were done, it would save many a poor m m trom being ruined with heavy law charges. Lawyers, by the time tlu.y have to devote to the study of thmi* business, arc entitled to reasonable remuneration, but not to make, rapid fortunes from the wreck and ruin of others. Ministers of the Gospel, who have in most cases a heavier expenditure to ell dure to obtain a suitable education, only receive a living. Why should lawyers make fortunes.