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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 583, 17 March 1891, Page 2

The journals published in Wellington (which of course is the stronghold of all those who have had or at present have choice billets in the public service) are much exercised at the Government showing a genuine desire to effect retrenchment in the proper quarter. There is a great outcry, of course—of course. The Times deals with the matter sensibly, though with a strong leaning towards the pampered darlings of the Service. The Press does not use smooth language. The Post, which never ceased to probe the Atkinson Government for their sham retrenchment, is sorely tried by the action of the new Government. In some directions it is forced to acknowledge that there is 100 m for retrenchment—the saving indicated would perhaps be a paltry thousand pounds’- worth—but the wholesale reductions are “ ill-judged and unwise, unjust to individuals, and detrimental to the true inteiests of the people of the colony." Mr Seddon may tickle the groundlings—and so on. All this indignation in Wellington is only what might have been expected from Wellington, and it is not likely to be heeded. Some Opposition journals in other centres warmly support the Government. We have good authority for stating that the Native Department will be the next branch of the public "service that will receive a thorough overhauling.