OFFICIOUS OFFICIALS.

Observer, Volume 6, Issue 146, 30 June 1883, Page 227

OFFICIOUS OFFICIALS.

Complaints, loud and deep, of the excessive ofliciousness of certain Customhouse officials constantly reach us. Dressed in a, little brief authority, which they stretch to the uttermost, as if the efficient discharge of duty depended rather on making themselves disagreeable and obnoxious, than otherwise, these individuals cause great public annoyance and inconvenience. Some of the officials employed on the wharf have become, to use a hackneyed but expressive phrase, too big for their boots, and not being possessed of the manners of gentlemen, give much offence to strangers by their rude, brusque bearing, and unnecessary inquisitiveness. We gave . a rather striking instance of this a few weeks ago, in the case of a gentleman who received a parcel of wearing apparel from England, and after being subjected to a good deal of apparently intentional indignity, and booi'ishness, was charged a shockingly exorbitant amount of duty.

-* Two otter casee Lave since come to our knowledge. Some time ago two Auckland residents ' were standing near the Westmeath. One carried a parcel and the other a very small box. They were accosted by a Customs official who peremptorily demanded an examination of the goods. An inspection of the parcel disclosed a pair of new boots, but the other man made some demur to knocking the lid off his box, whereupon the officer, in language more forcible than polite, commanded the man to accompany him to the Customhouse. The box was then broken open and, lo ! in fche name of the Prophet — 41bs of apples. The gentlemen who carried these parcels were on their way to the North Shore, and had merely taken a stroll down the wharf to look at the Westmeath, pending the arrival of the ferry steamer. The possessor of the apples, exasperated by the bullying tone of the official, said he would have punched his head, but for respect for his uniform, but, on second thoughts, reported the circumstances to the Collector of Customs. — o- _

Andnterval of nearly a week having elapsed, the writer received an evasive reply from the Collector, expressing regret "for any unpleasantness that may have occurred." " I tear greatly," says the Collector, "that your own action was calculated to provoke, the treatment you complain of. It must be borne in mind that officers of the Customs have very responsible.duties to perform in protecting the revenue, and while they are expected to show courtesy to all those with whom they may have official dealing, it is also incumbent upon the public to act in a similar manner towards them." This argument, as applied to the case in question, if it means anything at all, implies ,that two blacks make a white. — ■*. __

If the Customs officials lack a fertile field for their official energy ifc is not far to i-eek. The recent disclosures in the Police Court show that some of the hotel-keepers receive casks of spirits which have not come through the usual channels of commerce, and without any scruples as to whether they are contraband goods or not. In fact, if these cases furnish any criteria, the Customs officials are being systematically hoodwinked, and while they are fussily overhauling pairs of boots, a few pounds of app'lea, or babies dolls, are grasping at shadows and losing the substance. Vigilant and impartial discharge of duty are at all times commendable, but it is not likely that a free people will tamely submit to a system which closely resembles that which obtains in Russia and other despotically governed countries. A word to the wise should be sufficient.