COLONIAL LAND.
Sni—The officer retiring from the Army may receive, if he pleases, the value of his commission in land in certain of our Colonies. There seems to be no reason why the same system should not be extended to other branches of the public service.
Retired civil services form a heavy charge on the public revenue, notwithstanding a yearly percentage is levied on the salaries of all persons holding. Government situations towards the Superannuation Fund. In diminishing this expense the Colonies might beneficially aid, if apart of every pension grantedwere offered in Colonial land. Thus, of a pension of 2001. per annum, 106l.
be valued according to the principles of assurance and granted in land.
The commutation of the whole allowance into land, though it might be done at the option of the pensioners, would most likely be desired in few eases.
To objections against the probable small saving of money must be opposed, advantages that would result to this country from any diminution in her numerous and increasing middle class ; and to the Colonies, from an immigration of a superior order, and one not entirely dependent on resources within the colony itself. The system, indeed, ought to be made a Government means of conveying a "Canterbury" element to colonies under their own control
Lastly, by the pensioners themselves it would be regarded as a valuable boon, especially, by the many of their number who have not more to expect from the munificence of their country than, Sir, your obedient servant, A GOVERNMENT CLERK.
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