Sir Julius Vogel at Auckland

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 110, 25 February 1886, Page 3

Sir Julius Yogel at Auckland

(per united press association.} Auckland, February 23. Sir Julius Vqgel addressed a meeting of the citizens of Auckland in the Theatre Boyal this evening. Mayor Waddell presided. There was a crowded audience, and on the platform were a number of members of the Legislature and civic bodies, and a number of leading citizens. The Hon. J... A. Tole, Minister of Justice, was also present. On coming forward Sir Julius Yogel was well received and greeted with cheers. Sir Jiiliua Yogel commenced by saying that his object had been to restore the" equilibrium between revenue and expenditure, and to relieve the loans of some of the expenditure cast on them, so as to enable him to say, Now the colony is in a position to vigorously pursue its public works. Then there came the question of whether any additional revenue should be obtained from the Customs oi* the -property tax. He thought with the land yielding- so badly, Is in the pound of annual value was enough ; more \\ ould stand in t-lu* way of settlement. Ho proceeded to '""eliow, without going into the question of freetrade ;md protection, that the Customs tariff would be required to-be raised. The time had come when the public works policy should be settled. He would say what that policy should be — first, vigorous prosecution of railway works; second, a reduced proportion of expenditure for other purposes ; third works begun. to be rapidly completed to a paying condition; fourth, loans to be bo tied up that they could not be diverted from the purposes for which they were borrowed- He avowed himself distinctly in favor of the East and West Coast and Nelson railway. Ralwayss were the greatest end to the prosperity and comfort of the country. If public works were stopped there would be a great exodus. He was not speaking without book. The expenditure asked for he \yjis convinced could be covered by CustoiLS duties not exceeding 50s a head, and a property tax not exceeding £tks, or at most $ths of a penny. He then explained the position of the North Island Trunk loan. As to a possible dissolution before the session, Ministers had not determined about it, nor had they tendered advice to the Governor on the subject. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Act wanted amendment in some particulars. The requirements of the goldfields must receive attention. He expressed a modification of approval of the proposal te purchase large estates for cutting up. He anticipated a small surplus on the financial year. Conversion operations would be expected to give some relief. Unless immediate provision w&s made for public works, there would be great distress. With -Qua provision they would make again a favorable start. Sir Julius concluded his speech amid cheers, having received the most attentive hearing he has yet obtained in Auckland. A vote of thanks' to Sir Julius Yogel for his interesting address, and also of confidence, was carried by a large majority. An amendment of a vote of thanks only was rejected.