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THE "SOVEREIGN PEOPLE" AND THEIR SERVANTS.

(To the Editor of tU Westport Times. J

Sib, —After so much grumbling at , the way in which the service in the public offices of Westport is conducted, j one would naturally think that the • servants of the public would by this ; time have come to the knowledge of , making themselves useful and civil instead of continuing insulting to those who have need of their services, —that, in conducting their business they would use as much courtesy as is usually bestowed on masters by servants, and make the business, often unpleasant in itself, glide along as pleasantly as possible. But, instead of doing this, thfl horse has takpri the bit in his mouth, and unless the rider use the curb rein he is likely to become second best. I went into the Magistrate's office a day or two ago, and silently awaited my turn to be served, with my hat on, which, as far as my knowledge goes, was always the custom of myself aud others attending this office. Then judge of my surprise when a Mr Harris demanded in a peremptory tone of voice "Take oft' your hat," and, on telling him I saw no reason for such a proceeding, he vociferated " Take off your hat or go out," at the same time bustling round the counter, crying "Co out or I'll call a policeman." Now, Sir, if the community were all composed of William Tells, the offices would become useless, as all amendment is out of the question until we get Separation. I am well aware that courtesy in the public is as desirable as in the public servant, and among the general publicthere exists a courtesy comparable to that of marble; but when you pass into the Government offices that polish almost disapears, and it simply remains a question of public interest whether we shall adapt our manners to the semi-savage manners of the officials, or elevate them to the polish of sterling marble, and concede to them only the respect which they inspire. If they change the customs of the offices the public have a right to be informed in a civil way of such alterations, and the trouble of taking off a hat is something that . might be conceded on condition that they change their brutal to a courteous behaviour to those from whom they expect courtesy. Hoping you will find room in your useful paper to insert this, I apologise for troubling you with a letter about so frivolous a thing as taking off a hat, which, I am sure, must bo as distasteful for you to print as for mo to have to write.—l have the honor to be, &c, Joust Beaithwate. Caledonian Terrace.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WEST18690511.2.9

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 502, 11 May 1869, Page 2

Word count
Tapeke kupu
457

THE "SOVEREIGN PEOPLE" AND THEIR SERVANTS. Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 502, 11 May 1869, Page 2

THE "SOVEREIGN PEOPLE" AND THEIR SERVANTS. Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 502, 11 May 1869, Page 2

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