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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4420, 20 May 1875, Page 2

Our English Press telegrams intimate the fact that Mr. Vogel’s health is so precarious that his physicians have “ de- “ cided that a course of German baths “is indispensable to his recovery. He “cannot, (we are further told,) return “to New Zealand before September.” A cablegram from Mr. Yogel, received by the Government yesterday, corroborates the information given in the Press telegrams, as to the state of his health, and his consequent detention in England. We may add that the physicians in consultation were Messrs. Dale and Gerard.

This is not by any means unexpected, intelligence. The bulletins regarding Mr. Vogel’s health received since his arrival in England, led to the inference that he would bo unable to attend the opening of the session. Now that the doubt is removed, and that we need not hope for his return before September, there can be no possible object gained by postponing the opening after the usual time, early in July. Three Ministers are absent from the Seat of Government just now, but they can easily be communicated with by telegram ; and indeed, wp understand that this has already been done. 1 Dr. Pollen, we know, contemplated returning by theßasby if she had sailed for Wellington to-day, but ho cannot avail himself of this vessel, inasmuch as her departure has been postponed. However, he will be here in a few days at furthest. Mr. Reynolds is at present “assisting” at certain interesting proceedings in the Otago Provincial Counr cil, but under existing circumstances, wo suppose ho. will, not hesitate to come to . Wellington and join his colleagues in council. Sir Donald ■ McLean, having about finished his Native business in the North, may also be expected in a few days ; and the Governor, who is an indispensable piece on the Executive chessboard, will in all probability return to the seat of his government. . It will bo necessary to consult his Excellency on many points, and arrange for the coming session without reference to Mr. Vogel.

It would be idle to shut our eyes to the fact that the Government, as now constituted, is perhaps as weak an one as could well meet the House at the present crisis. The Native Minister is, of course, master of his own department, and enjoys the confidence of the country; but then a feeling has been carefully cultivated of late, to the effect that the cost is disproportionate to the result, and we know that an attempt will be made to damage the Government through its Land Purchase Department. It will take Sir Donald all his time to carry this branch of his control through the session with flying colors. Wherefore, we surmise that the Native Minister will bo very little help to his colleagues on questions of general policy and finance. In like manner, Mr. Richardson has his hands full of public works. Ho lias more to do than can bo fairly placed on one man, and that ho has got through it as ho has done hitherto, speaks volumes for his close application and knowledge of the details of his department. To expect the Minister for Public Works, therefore, to bear the general burden of the Executive, and meet an organised and exasperated Opposition, is vain. Ho cannot possibly do more than attend to the details of his own department in the House.

There remain only Messrs. Reynolds, x Atkinson, -and Bowen to explain the general policy of the Government, and exhibit its financial, and other operations. Of the fitness of Mr. Bowen for this task we have no knowledge. Finance does not lie in his department, but rather in that of the Acting Colonial Treasurer, the Commissioner of Customs. Now, with all respect for this gentleman, we do not think he is qualified to conduct the Government business in the place of Mr. Yogei. ; neither is Mr. Atkinson, who has had more to do with the Immigration Department than with anything else. Study the position how we may, therefore, we cannot see anything like a pleasant outlook for Ministers. Perhaps the very best thing they can do is to introduce the various measures which were promised last session, and trust to the generosity of the House to carry them through. It will not be a dignified course certainly, but it might be a safe one. On the other hand, we cannot shut our eyes to the possible action of the Opposition. It is strong in debating power, fruitful of resources, skilful in parliamentary tactics, resolute, apd above all, fighting for bare existence. The Executive, with Mr. Vogel absent, cannot match them ; nor can it well demand the loyal adhesion of the party which placed the Ministry of 1872 in power, constituted as it is at the present time.

But quite apart and beside this point is the wider question, namely, whether the country will have confidence in the Executive, without Mr. Vogel, to initiate and carry through those great constitutional measures which are engaging the attention of every section of the people. There is a very great deal to be said on this point, and we should not be doing our duty if we evaded it. However unpleasant it may be to raise the issue, or to cast a doubt on the capacity of Ministers, it - is just the issue of all others which confronts them, and which they must prepare to face. They may have confidence in themselves; —we trust they have, but the colony has, somehow or other, a different estimate of the Ministerial team. The colony may be altogether wrong, and the Executive may be quite as strong without Mr. Vogel as with him. Opinions differ on that point, and it is this very difference of opiqion which makes the situation so very unpleasant. The circumstances of the country undoubtedly demand the utmost circumspection on the part of Ministers ; and the colony will not be content to let its affairs drift. A full and lucid exposition of finance ; —a careful analysis of the public assets and liabilities must be placed before the Assembly. , Ministers should likewise grasp the subject of taxation, the inequalities of which are a serious drawback to the work of settlement. Then, again, the whole question of land administration will be reviewed, for however anxious Ministers may be to shirk debate, it will be forced upon them. Taking everything into account, therefore, we cannot say that we regard the political horizon as at all clear. Mr. Vogel’s absence will certainly give his colleagues an opportunity of distinguishing . themselves ; and we hope and trust they may surprise their most ardent admirers. One thing should be borne in mind, however: the business of the country must not be subordinated to personal considerations.