ST. BATHANS.

Cromwell Argus, 13 July 1870, Page 7

ST. BATHANS.

—o—(From our own Correspondent.) June 30. Another month passed away ; tlio shortest day of the year gone by, and half of 1870 : aphorisms certainly, but food for reflection nevertheless. And now for the meteorological register. Ist to 4th, fine weather; night of 4th, rain; sth, do. ; 6th to Bth, fine ; 9th, drizzle ; 10th, Scottish mist; 11th to 13th, moderate—blue sky—Hying scuds of rain and snow ; 14th and 15th, snow—frost—thaw; 16th to 19tb, fair; 20th, breaking; 21st, rain; 22nd, fine ; 23rd, foggy—rain; 24th and 25th, snow—heavy snow ; 26th and 27th, rain and thaw ; 28th and 29th, fine—drying up. It is some time since I devoted a paragraph to the subject of population and progress, and I will make that subject the material for my next letter ; but, while touching on that subject, I may mention that one of ours —"poor fellow"—was taken away in a spring cart by a mate (and sympathiser) to Clyde Hospital, dangerously. ill. His voice was hollow and broken, his head bound up in warm flannels and comforters,' and his eyes spoke volumes of intense pain within. He shook our hands softly, uttered a few words gravely, and departed with our earnest hopes for his recovery. Scarcely a week had elapsed, when one of ours encountered the invalid—where do you think I —in Princes-street, Dunedin, perfectly recovered and ignominious, but contented. His disease had been debt, and he had paid his creditors with the " fore-topsail sheet." Not even the Bankruptcy Court, or a solicitor, profited by his sickness. "We shall hear of that man again." His abilities will lead him to a prominent position, I prophesy. Complaintsabout Post-office irregularities seem very general just now. There is no disorganisation so easily discovered as the Postal, for it immediately concerns everybody. How could we live without letters and newspapers 1 I would far rather lose my Saturday's dinner than my newspaper, and as for Tom, it would utterly prostrate him. He reads advertisements and all—nothing escapes " old Hawkeye," as I sometimes call him. lam sending his essay on Retrenchment and Government; and in doing so I feel called upon, " in newspaper parlance," to state that I will not be held responsible for the opinions expressed by my mate, though I am his co-partner in mining interests, &c. He says nothing can save the country but redintegration of Government, and that the cai-eless, indifferent character of the people is not only degrading and derogatory to a fairly intellectual class, but will bring its own retribution. Tom maintains that members of the Provincial Council and Assembly have, for the most part, not been men chosen by a constituency, but rather men having sufficient self-confidence to thunder a learnt lesson of patriotic bunkum to a sleepy crowd of voters off the platform of our schoolhouses, who have given their votes, as a votary to Bacchus shouts away a pound note, " for the fun of the thing." I am almost ashamed to send you Tom's essay, for it would have been easy to condense it, and retain its sense throughout, but his pride would have been hurt at my interference. I must therefore leave it as it is, with all its imperfections, for which, of course, as I have already said, I will not be responsible.

"TOM" ON RETRENCHMENT. " I cannot understand," says Tom, one evening last month, while taking down the bill file off the ridge-pole of the tent—" I cannot for the life of me understand how an enlightened public, such as we have in this country, can year after year remain listlessly indifferent to the burden inflicted on them by gross mismanagement of the unwieldy machinery set in motion to provide for the welfare of the people. Just look at these figures, which I have taken from the Witness," says Tom, at the same time tearing off a dirty scrawled paper (from the file), covered with dingy pencilled calculations. " To govern a province whose revenue is about £300,000 a year, it costs nearly £BOOO to support the Ministry and ruling body,—this amount being about one-twelfth of the entire expenditure on government of a population scarcely equal to that of one of Great Britain's second-rate towns : while tho governed are striving under great difficulties—more especially that of uncertain land tenure—to make themselves settlers, hoping against hope that they may be able some day to invite the balance of their families out to their adopted country. How many men," says Tom, in a most excited manner, "there are in Otago at the present day, who, with a few hundred pounds each, strong arms, and fair experience, are wavering as to whether it is worth while waiting any longer to got settlement, secured to thcraby the Government, or, despair-'

ing of such an ovpnt, start off for some country more promising for the emigrant. This Colony is losing rapidly the best material for quickly advancing colonisation and all its mo3t important interests (hard-working, industrious men, with small capital realised by mining), through the short-sightedness of, its rulers, who appear to bo absorbed in self-aggrandisement, personal quarrels, and outvieing one another in grasping and maintaining the power of patronage." " Look here, Tom," 1 exclaimed, seizing hiß hand, which for the fourth time he was about to hang on our little table (made out of two gincases and covered with green baize); " just stop that anathematising of the powers that be, and deal with abuses—if you look upon them as such—in a practical manner.' Your, opinions' may yet be of use to the State." Tom was as silent as a lamb. The flattery took, (and he muttered, " Once upon a time, they roere.") "Let us hear your proposal for government, encouragement of immigration, and bona fide. settlement. But keep in mind that the income at present is only £300,000 a-year." "Well," says Tom, "many a night, Jack, when you have been snoring in that bunk of yours, I have been planning schemes to save this country from utter destruction, and oh ! how I have longed to raise a capital, on the interest of which I could live, so as to go into Parliament and let my voice be heard : and now, after reading about different governments of all parts of the world, I am persuaded that the nearest standard for our emulation would be a Heligoland government,—a system which has been found to work admirably under a conservative Executive, and satisfy all classes. For, mark it, Jack, the masses can never, no, never, govern themselves. However intelligent they may be, they must be governed by a few ; and those few must be gentlemen by birth and education, strictly honourable in all their dealings. They must be tacticians and diplomatists ; firm in their conduct, and impregnable against sneers —and still mote so against flattery. They must be loyal to the Queen, lovers of their adopted country ; and lastly, but not least, they must be in an independent position—even wealthy. They must be God-fearing men, so that they may be able to ask His blessing on their efforts to rule wisely and justly, and have strength not to be cast down when they are maligned, or their actions turned into weapons by their enemies. Yes, Jack, I am persuaded that if due preparation was made by suitable preliminary laws, in three years we could be rejoicing at the success of the Heligoland system. But in the meanwhile I will deal with Otago, and curtail her expenses for the present, so that she may be kept within bounds until the general annexation which will have to eventuate in three years for the Heligoland system. " Take out your scissors, Jack, and lop off some of these superfluous departments. And now to my figures. First, the Executive : the total of my addition in that quarter comes to about £SOOO We must take off £2OOO : sic — Superintendent, £1000; Secretary and Treasurer (being men of business and of independent means), £250 ; General Amanuensis to Executive, Whipper-in, and Adviser to all Ministries, £600; Ulerk and Accountant to Treasury, £SOO ; two subs., £400; extras, £250 = £3OOO. Provincial Council expenses while sitting only, say for thirty clays each year : Speaker, £3O ; Chairman of Committees, £2O; Librarian, £3O; Messenger, £2O ; Sergeaut-at-Arms, L.25 ; Country Members; nil; Printing and Library, L.350. Reduced from L.3250 to L.475."—"0h! but, Tom," says I, " give the members their travelling expenses."—" Very well," says Tom, " it is a young country; I would allow them all travelling expenses. Education present expenses are L.21,682 : we must bring that down to L.10,000 until the Maori War is over. Sic —Secretary, L.500; Clerk, L.150; Drawing-Master, nihil; District Schools, L. 1 for every L. 1 raised by taxes on parents and ratepayers, say L.7000 ; High School—Rector, L.400; three Masters, L.1000; Commercial Master, L.250; scholarships, L.500 ; prizes, L.200. Rectors of Grammar Schools, L.GOO ; moneys to reimburse the colleagues for their medal distribution, Is. ; total, L.10,000. Crown Lands Department : Commissioner, L.600; Clerk, L.400; Draughtsman, L. 350 ; two subs., L. 360; four Surveyors, to be also Road Engineers, L.2000 ; Salesmen, Rangers, &c, discharged, (their passages paid to Fiji) ; Crown Land Draughtsmen, L.500 . three up-country ditto, L.900; travelling and lights, L.IOOO ; contract surveys, L.5000; total, L.11,11d. Gold-fields : These Wardens," says Tom, pausing to light his pipe, and evidently struck with a new idea, "these Wardens get too much. What on earth do they do for their wages ?"—" They do a bit of travelling, at any rate. Judging by the notices in the goldfields papers, I should think they are in the saddle ten days in every month in the year, and we can't do without them, mate—you know that."—" Well, let us go into items," says Tom, " and I believe we can bring them down a couple of hundred. Supposing we allow them L.200 for housekeeping and victualling ; two servantgirls ("as cook and housemaid), wages and keep, L.160 ; entertaining brother beaks, ministers, and big-wigs, L.60 ; cellar, L.50 ; groom, L.90, to include his keep; forage for three horses, L. 100 ; travelling expenses (at ten days to each month), L. 120. Well, and that is all they can want, surely," says Tom.—" Yes ; and you old donkey," added I, " you are allowing them L. 780 a year."—" -nd quite enough, too," says Tom. "But, you old muff, they only get L.500 !"—" Oh, well, then I would give them L.250 more for horseflesh : their outlay for that item must be considerable. I don't want to hear of any bankrupt commissioners, or Supreme Court cases against magistrates, so let them have a salary above temptation, by all manner of means."—"But I don't quite agree with you, Tom," said I, "about the inlierating busi7iess. If a place like Oamara, and such-like, can have its local fixed stipendiary, I cannot see why other places of equal importance should not have a similar authority. I think such a plan as this would far better suit the public, save the

Government the constant harassing of public memorials, and satisfy the magistrates themselves : that is, by giving them small wages, permanent office (secured by heavy compensation in case of discharge), little or no travelling, and more men of the kind. " Let them be like the American magistrates, or old Garibaldi, who remain at home, till the ground, raise crops, study law, and are always at hand to guide the reins, advise, encourage, or rebuke as the exigencies of the case may require. Let them bo commissioners, magistrates, and holders of every other function not incompatible with the higher otlices that tie general public may require access to. Twelve men with such powers, stationed at twelve of the most important places on the gold-fields, say with £4OO a year. Each would servo such a scattered but not unimportaut population far better thau six itinerating Commissioners at large salaries, who are employed half their time in travelling, and are continually causing expense, annoyance, and disappointment to the miners, by failing to keep their appointments at different court-houses, owing to many different circumstances —very often flooded livers, storms, snowed-up passes, and such like. And when they do go—worn out and worried with these journeys—they are obliged to push through important cases with conjuror's speed, perhaps to be able to cross some dangerous ford or pass befors dark, so as to reach some other court-house on the morrow. I maintain, Tom, that although an intelligent commissioner can look after the rights of a thousand men, he is still as much required when the population becomes reduced to hundreds. The few require the machine of the law just as much as the multitude, and must have it at their command, hi spite of all arguments in the Council that reduction of population necessitates reduction of departmental expenses. Such arguments are quite fallacious in such an extraordinary country as New Zealand ; and it is disgraceful for those members who, being familiar with grdd-fields topography, should resort to such : tergiversation simply to gain a name of being economists, and thus sacrifice to their vanity the comfort and convenience of a large number of men who, footsore and weary, have to travel many a mile to procure their rights and certificates, get advice, spend money, and lose valuable time, and too often, disappointed, have to turn back because the court or office was closed. Yes, Tom, increase the population, by all means, and get people to settle ; increase the work of the authorities, but do not falsely economise to appease a popular clamour do not close against us the means whereby all our interests are kept in fair order. I maintain where litigation must continue, by circumstances over which the most peaceable of H.M.'s subjects have no control, it is right and just that the taxes should be spent on Government; and though you aud I have to pay more for it, and work harder to keep out of debt, a large majority of our class, Tom, would prefer this to the risk of disorder and confusion arising occasionally, and having to tramp twenty or thirty miles to get a summons, and lose may be a week over the case afterwards, or wait three weeks or a month until the commissioner calls in on his periodical rounds." "Very well," says Tom; "we will petition for the Oamaru, Garibaldian, Yankee plan ; and now to the estimates once more. Six wardens, at £750—£4550 ; or twelve wardens at £4OO •—£4300. But I cannot see the use of all these receivers and bailiffs. I would have twelve good clerks in the twelve commissioners' offices, and to be also bailiffs, with a salary of £250 a year, and without any travelling (the idea of clerks travelling !), beyond serving summonses." "That would never answer, Tom," said I. " What sort of men would you get to do the work ? You cannot amalgamate the offices—the twofold position would be anomalous. I certainly do like to see intelligent, well-educated men in a Government service, whether Imperial or colonial. Their position is marked aud conspicuous, and in a young colony travellers and strangers are often guided in their opinions of the people by the tone of the Government service. It acts as an advertisement for immigration. Never mind ; go on, Tom. What kind of men would you have ?" " Good strong, able-bodied men," says Tom. "It is absurd to have an aristocracy, or even gontle blood, in a service of such rulers. It ought never to be that the subordinates should have to feel contempt for their masters —to know that they (the subs.) are their superiors in every way, and to have to smart under the rule of men in every way unfit fur their position. It is making a burlesque of Council, Assemblies, and Government. No, no ; if it is possible, men must be got of the rough-and-ready description, who can write a plain hand, keep ordinary accounts, issue processes, and pick up a drunk and disorderly when required.—(You know, Jack, we don't get on the spree.)"—" And what about the public moneys that.they are responsible for ? Surely responsibility and salary should be considered together," I urged.—" I. would soon obviate that difficulty," says Tom. "Put them under the espionage of the police and commissioners, aud make the latter daily auditors." " But, Tom, the receivers and clerks have sometimes to explain the law to men like us, and their advice and opinion should have its weight"—"That qualification would be no longer necessary if t'.'.e commissioners lemainod at home, and twelve magistrates w mid nearly cover the gold-fields. The few townships left out might be visited periodically by the nearest resident commissioner, who should have a reasonable allowance for his extra work." "But, Tom," says I, " there are sixteen townships, and your estimates only provide for twelve bailiff-clerks." ' "And in the other four," says Tom, "I would appoint steady policemen, with extra wages, to issue summonses : and remember it is only a few years until wo can establish the Hebgoland system."—"Co on with your estimates, Tom, and talk of the Heligoland laws afterwards."— "Very well, Jack. Twelve strong, able-bodied clerks', at £250—£3000 ; four policemen, acting

—£2oo ; four extra courts for stationary mag ■ tratoß—£2oo ; two Chinese iutorpretsrs—£so i. ' " Tom, you show the cloven hoof, old maVi, in your estimates : you talk of reduction, a i yob you have'increased the gold-lields exnenu.turo by thousands."—"Just you wait a lite us Jack ; I know what lam about. It is by L .• gold-liolda this country has been saved fr < utter destruction, and it is only the gold-lid ■■■ that cause any attraction at homo. -Debenture, are sold, money raised, and capitalists tempU; - to invest in over-taxed, over-burdened, wornout, neglected Now Zealand by the sound i ,' gold exports ; and this country, to be extricate . from her financial di[acuities, must, under Pi,/vidence, depend upon the development of tl/.s resource—above all others—which yet lies burk I under thousands of acres of the soil; and to resist and maintain speculations and investmen.'s on the gold-lields every inducement must ! o held out to encourage the buna fide miner to remain where he is, and report favourably in L .; private letters home. Private letters, Jack, a. not to be despised rs a medium for emigratki. ; and upon immigration JS'ew Zealand must < <• pend for her future greatness. This," says T0:.., " brings me back to the subject of expenditure ; and, for the ease and comfort of the miners \i:.-..i are so materially assisting to help the conn, i,, out of its difficulties, the expenditure is a me .; trifle, and may be looked upon as an investm.;.. . which will secure splendid interest in a f-.'.v. years: More than can be said of some of tlio? .-.• huge buildings in Duuedin erected at the pubi t; expense," says Tom, bitterly. " What is u.,: next item, Jack?"—" Volunteers."—"Oh ! Volunteers : and how much would a shed cost nv Dunedin to house 500 men?"—"l don't knov., Tom; say £300."—" Very well," says Tom; " £3OO-to Volunteers to keep their clothes can powder dry on a wet day. .Next comes the i>, ■ lice: I would put their estimates down u, £20,000." —" But, Tom, in the Witness I aj they only require £IS,OOO, and that isbegrmly-.- i by some of the Council."—" Just because they know no better," says Tom: "the police ;•„ c the army—the soldiers of the country ; a we!iorganised, disciplined body of men ; ornamcir. m and most useful; as jjeace officers, most effeetivo and diligent. For defence, they would form « regiment equal to any of the line ; and at present in all cases of emergency, such as accidc.i,, peril to lives, and such like, they have the entire confidence of the public and the Magistracy. I say, three cheers for the police, and £20,000 a year to support them. " These are my estimates,—total L 54,155 ; which will leave about £240,000 for Roads. Works, Bridges, and Benevolent after deducting £SOO to myself, voted by tho Legislature for my essay on the "HELIGOLAND SYSTE?-t. "1. A Governor, who has also military rank as Commander-in-Chief, or Captain General. "2. A Privy Council of four, chosen out b.\ a Legislative Council of twelve persons, who each must have a property qualification of £SCO a year rent-roll for franchise. "3. Legislative Council: explained in section SJ. " 4. The country being divided into Counties has a Parliament of as many members as them are Counties, with additional members for cities, who are elected by the people, and must have a. property qualification of £— a year income. "5. Laws maybe made by the Parliament, passed through the Upper House, and referred to the Queen by the Governor. "G. The Coveruor may suspend Councillors ; set aside civil and proclaim martial law under certain circumstances ; appoint judges, executive, and officers; remit penalties ; and set asiuo judgments, by extending pardons, or mitigating punishments. " 7. All the magistracy are appointed by tho judges, some being for a County, and others for the whole Colony. Stipendiary magistrates,aiVj by recommendation of the judges, appointed by the Governor, and exercise all the powers us Chairmen of Quarter Sessions in Great Britain. "8. In the higher courts, three-fourths of ;>, jury in civil cases, and nem. con. m criminal cases, must agree to a verdict. "9. Education is compulsory on all parenl.sj and guardians whose incomes are less than £— a year. (Those who enjoy that or a greater annual income are supposed to have sense with ;!; sufficient to know how to educate their children without supervision.) Parliament provides the means, and levies taxes on the people for the express purpose of maintaining an education fund. " 10. Denominations under certain regulation.-, are allowed glebes, to be held by trustees, bat no State Church. "11. lloads, bridges, &c., are made and maintained in the several Counties by taxes on t;...; inhabitants, and Road Boards are appointed to* expend accordingly. "12. M. P. 's for Counties are elected by tli.i people (ballot system). Voters are qualified behaving small property—a residence worth £—. They must also be able to read and write.