THE STRIKES.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2848, 14 October 1890, Page 4

THE STRIKES.

Our Sydney correspondent writes: — One practical matter to which I have frequently alluded in these letters is now forcing itself upon public attention in a very unpleasant manner. It is the inadequacy of the police force to restrain outrage. I do not imply any lack of courage on their part, but their numbers are manifestly insufficient even to patrol the city, much more to keep order in it in a time of excitement. For hours together mobs of men are allowed to assemble, to obstruct passengers, to assault and insult obnoxious individuals, and openly and avowedly to endeavour to prevent ships from discharging their cargoes, from loading it, or from getting away to sea. With alt our lavish expenditure for purposes of Government—and Australian government expenditure is far more lavish than that of any other country in the whole world the one function for which Government primarly exists, that is to say, the protection of life and property, is very inefficiently discharged. The police force might very well be doubled, and a considerable portion of the cost might be saved out of the sums which are now paid to members of Parliament for serving on certain Royal Commissions, and from other expenditure by which private individuals profit, but which is of very questionable public utility, The federation of labour and the counter federation of capital have entirely usurped whatever real interest was ever felt in the federation of the colonies. The debate in Parliament is proceeding, however, and the only point which is likely to excite much discussion at the present stage is whether tho Opposition shall have any voice in the appointment of delegates.