SIR JULIUS VOGEL’S DEPARTURE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4850, 7 October 1876, Page 2

SIR JULIUS VOGEL’S DEPARTURE.

A meeting was held in Mr. Hunter’s rooms yesterday at noon, for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken by the citizens of Wellington to bid farewell to Sir Julius Vogel on his departure from this colony for England. The meeting was hurriedly convened by circular, but nevertheless there was a good attendance, his Worship the Mayor occupying the chair. The following gentlemen were among those present : : —Messrs. George Hunter, J. R. George, W. Black, O. O’Neill, J. Saunders, J. Catted, C. McKirdy, J. Dransfield, C. Grey, O. Taylor, G. H. Tribe, W. S. Moorhouse, D. Rankin, E. T. Gillon, J. Sutherland, E. W. Mills, J. Staples, Dr. Diver, A. Beauchamp, G. Roxburgh, W. Oakes, Captain Holt, G. South, and P. Moeller. In explaining the object of calling the meeting his Worship said that a large number of the citizens of Wellington had expressed the opinion that Sir Julius Vogel should not be permitted to leave the colony without some public acknowledgment being made of the services he had rendered it, and of the regret felt at his departure ; and he explained that it was for tho purpose of considering how that could best be effected that the meeting had been called. • A general discussion ensued, during which several gentlemen advocated the presentation of an address, accompanied by a substantial testimonial; others again favoring the idea of a dinner also. A discussion then took place as to the hour at which the entertainment, if any were decided on, should be given. It was generally considered that .an entertainment given for the purpose of doing honor to the late Premier should be of an inexpensive and popular character, and the testimonial as substantial as possible. The following resolution was proposed by Mr. South: — “ That it is advisable that the citizens of Wellington should, prior to Sir Julius Vogel’s departure, have an opportunity of publicly expressing their appreciation of the services ha has rendered to the colony; that some public demonstration for this purpose should be arranged, and a substantial testimonial be raised ; that to carry this out, the gentlemen present form themselves into a committee, and invite the co-operation of all other citizens willing to assist.” The resolution was seconded by Mr. McKirdy, and carried unanimously. It was also resolved that the committee should meet next (this) evening at 7 o’clock, at Mr. Hunter’s office, and that an advertisement should be published in the papers inviting all citizens willing to assist on the committee to attend or intimate their willingness to act. His Worship the Mayor was chosen chairman. Mr. South was proposed as hon. secretary; but he declined in consequence of his being about to absent himself from town for a few days, and Mr. Tribe consented to act in that capacity instead. Five of the gentlemen present expressed their intention to contribute twenty guineas each towards the testimonial. The meeting then adjourned.