18 SEPTEMBER 1909, Page 3

The multiplication of new officials entailed by the Govern- ment's

various schemes is beginning to exercise even so thoroughgoing a supporter as the Daily Chronicle. Indepen- dently of the proposed separate Board of Agriculture for Scotland, with headquarters at Edinburgh and a separate staff of inspectors, the Chronicle mentions the following among reforms involving an added staff and new expenditure :—" Census of Production (Board of Trade staff increased) ; Small Holdings Act (new inspectors); Labour Exchanges Bill (superintendents and clerks) ; Finance Bill (surveyors and valuers) ; Housing Bill (new inspectors); factory inspection (large increase in staff). This tendency to multiplication of officials is unfortu- nate, but apparently it is an inevitable accompaniment of all progress in the region of social reform. Not a voice is raised in protest or inquiry. The old zeal for economy is dead."