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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

[introduction]

page break
One of the most interesting features of colonial life is the rapid extension of the functions of the State. Though the number of departments is not very great, the variety of services performed by the people for the people is wide enough to embrace a great many branches still considered beyond the pale, and the many advantages which accrue, both to the public at large and to those employed by the State, are silently but none the less potently influencing the popular mind. The parcel post is a tolerably recent extension, and the people are beginning to ask why only small parcels can be delivered by the Government. “Why,” they say, “shoud the Government confine itself to matters that are either too small or too large for private enterprise?” Others say, “If the Government will take the trouble
The Wellington Museum.

The Wellington Museum.

page 337 to issue summonses against petty debtors, and even go the length of imprisoning them under certain circumstances, why might not the police make a personal application for a settlement of the account before issuing the summons?” It is unnecessary to mention more of the questions that are quietly being asked. It is sufficient to point out that the trend of public opinion is clearly in the direction of extending the functions of the State. The grouping of the Governmental departments under a common heading will serve to show how far the State in New Zealand has already gone beyond the mere collection of taxes and the maintenance of law and order, which are still considered by some to be the only legitimate functions of Government.