BOROUGH PATRONAGE AND OFFICIAL ABUSES.
TO THE EDITOR OP THE SPECTATOR.
Hastings, October 25th IMO. S/R—Having read, in your valuable paper, the very sensible letter of " A Poor Revenue Officer," I could not help feeling the truth of his observations. We have, Sir, in this part of the country, many instances which would exemplify his assertions. The patron of this close borough holds a situation in the Excise, which report says yields him 1,5001. per annum ; and it is a well-known fact, that his whole time is employed in the country, on his farms, &c. The father of the Town Clerk holds a pension for his services as Collector of the Customs. Far be it-from me to wish to turn adrift an old officer to starve ; but when I see a person after a few years' servitude, in the prime of life, having realized a handsome competency in the service, retiring on a handsome pension, to make room for another connected with this borough, I cannot help thinking that such things ought not to be. In a neighbouring close borough, we have the brother of the reverend patron holding the situa- tion of Commissioner of Appeal in the Excise : what duties are attached thereto, it is puzzling to define, for his whole time is devoted to coach. driving, cricketing, and JUSTICE business,—for know, Sir, that this Commissioner af Appeal is Mayor and Deputy Mayor alternately.
The publication of this letter may lead to the exposure, and perhaps to the reform, of similar abuses. The whole close boroughs are full of them. I am, Sir, your obliged servant,
A CONSTANT READER.
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