MR VOGEL AND THE “DAILY TIMES.”

Evening Star, Issue 3143, 17 March 1873, Page 2

MR VOGEL AND THE “DAILY TIMES.”

Our attention has been called to a paragraph in the Daily Times, referring to an extract from the Town and Country Journal , published in Sydney. That journal, either through carelessness, or through mistaking the accepted meaning of the term “ Premier,” has included Mr Vogel’s portrait and a short biographical notice under the heading, the “Premiers of the Australian Colonies.” But the Daily Times omits to say that his position in the Ministry is accurately described, both in the reference to the portrait and the biography. In both instances he is not styled “ Premier,” but “Colonial Treasurer and Postmaster General, New Zealand.” There are altogether seven portraits of delegates to the Intercolonial Conference, of which live represent the “Premiers” of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, and New South Wales ; and two of representatives, one of whom, the Hon, F. P. Bailee, is described as Colonial Secretary, Western Australia ; and the other as the Hon. Julius Vogel, C. M.G., Colonial Secretary and Postmaster General, New Zealand. We have also to draw attention to the most unwarrantable statement that the extract in the Daily Times is the “sketch ” of Mr Vogel’s career, as given in the Town and Country Journal, and the still further insinuation that “the materials were probably obtained from himself.” The second misstatement consists in cutting off the biographical notice at a point the least favorable to the honorable the Postmaster General, and leaving out the record of the services he has rendered to New Zealand. Moreover, the inaccuracies in the biography contradict the supposition that he himself had furnished material for the sketch,' win'h wo subjoin, in order that our readers may judge of the degree of credence that should be attached to any statement which appears in the Daily 'Times, Mr Vogel was born in London on the 24th February, 1835, so that he is now in his thirtyeighth year. In early life he had very delicate health, and was chiefly educated by masters at home. In bis thirteenth year he attended the Loudon University School, where he remained until lie was past sixteen. At this age he lost both his parents. After he left school lie entered the office of his grandfather, who was the head of a large house in the West Indian and South American trade. It was intended Mr Vogel should acquire a knowledge of mercantile pursuits,'with the view of-proceeding to South America, where, through his connections, good prospects would have awaited him. But when the Victorian goldfields became famous, he was seized with the restless fever to visit them which attacked so many young men, and against the advice of his friends, lie proceeded to the new El Dorado, Before leaving, how ever, he went through a course of Jstudy in the chemistry and metallurgy of gold and silver, at the Royal School of Mines, Jennyu street. He was Dr Percy’s first pupil in the metallurgical laboratory of that institution, and from that gentleman took out with him to Melbourne a "certificate of proficiency in the art of molting and assaying the precious metals. Some time after his arrival Mr Vogel_ was concerned in various business pursuits in Melbourne and on the goldfields. To oblige a friend, who was ill, he wrote an article for an up-country news-

th paper, and so first became connected wi™ journalism, to which lie afterwards devote himself. He became editor of the Maryhoronyh and DanoUy Advertiser, proprietor of the Tuplewood Advertiser, and part proprietor of the Talbot Leader. When the msh to the Otago goldfields commenced, he went to Dunedin. Before he left Victoria, he stood a contested election for the Avoca district. He polled 2,000 votes, but was defeated by the Hon. Mr Grant and by Mr Davies, the present Chairman of Committees. Annoyance at this defeat had a great deal to do with nis departure for New Zealand. He studied hard the politics of that Colony, and within two years became a member of the Colonial House 'of Representatives and of the Provincial Council of Otago. Dor some years he was head of the Provincial Executive, but early in 1809 he resigned, as, having disposed of the Otayo Daily Time* , he intended to reside at Auckland, where he became and still is proprietor of the Southern Cross and Weekly News newspapers. In June, 18(59, Mr Vogel joined the Ministry formed by Mr Pox, taking the portfolios of Colonial Treasurer, Post-master-General, and Commissioner of Customs. He held these offices for over three years, till •September, 1872, when Mr Fox’s Government was defeated. After the incoming Government had held office for a month they were defeated on a want of confidence motion, moved by Mr Vogel. The Governor refused them a dissolution, and sent for Mr Vogel, who formed a Ministry. The Hon. Mr Waterhouse was offered and accepted the Premiership, together with the leadership of the Upper House. Mr Vogel took the portfolios of Colonial Treasurer and Postmaster-General, together with theleadership of the Lower House. Early in 1870, Mr \ ogel arranged in Sydney with Mr Hall and the A.S.N. Co. the first Californian Service. During the session of 1870, he introduced the Public Works and Immigration proposals which were so warmly adopted by the country, and to which vigorous effect has been and is being given. After the session, Mr Vogel proceeded to Washington. He had already negotiated a postal convention with the United States, and he now visited America to arrange for a through service to supersede Mr Hall’s. The British Ambassador, Sir Edward Thornton, was instructed by the Foreign! Office to lend his good offices. After arranging the contract with Mr Webb, Mr Vogel proceeded to London, where Jie negotiated the first instalment of the Public Works Loan, and arranged with a firm _of eminent contractors to semi out representatives to New Zealand. Mr Vogel’s name in New Zealand is also intimately identified with the Government Life Insurance which he introduced, and winch is working with very great success ; and with the Intercolonial reciprocity question, in which he has taken much interest. Mr Vogel has also taken great interest in the question of the Confederation of the Empire, and has written several papers on the subject. Last year he received the Companionship of the Order of St. Michael and St. Gcorgc._ Mr l tV member of tlie Jewish persuasion.