THE HON. MR SEDDON.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2156, 29 January 1891, Page 2

THE HON. MR SEDDON.

Within a few hours of being sworn in as a Minister Mr Seddon took a most decisive step to effect retrenchment. For years policemen on goldfields have received one shilling per day Eoore than elsewhere. The late Government regarded this as an anomaly and wished to effect a change but bad not the courage to face the matter pluckily. They were making the change gradually by transferring the goldfields' constables to other districts, and putting others in their places without giving them the shilling a day goldfields allowance. This system had two effects: the changing from place to place involved both the Government and the constables in great expense, and it created two classes—the old constables who received the shilling a day, and the new constables who did not. Mr Seddon saw the absurdity of the system and immediately stopped it, suspending at the same time the payment of the shilling per day to the old hands until inquiry is made into the whole affair. Mr Seddon's action is that of a determined man who has a mind of his own and means to exercise it. There can be no doubt but great saving could be effected by abolishing a great deal of the humbug that goes on in the civil service generally, but more especially with regard to removing officers so frequently from place to place. It sometimes happens that officers desire to be removed, and under such circumstances they ought to be compelled to bear their own expenses. Mr Seddon has begun his Ministerial life in a dashing manner, and we feel confident he will keep it up.