PRESENTATION TO SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4860, 19 October 1876, Page 4

PRESENTATION TO SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

The presentation- of an address and testimonial to Sir Julius Vogel yesterday afternoonattracted one of the largest and most influential meetings ever held in Wellington, For some time previous to the advertised time of the meeting—half-past 12- o' clock-—a vast concourse of people gathered about the of the Theatre Royal;; and Sir Julius could receive- no better compliment than the freely- : expressed opinions of the working-men, who- | were congregated round about in small parties ■ discussing his past services and the hopes they i entertained of the benefits which would accrue to the, colony by his recent appointment. Shortly after 12 o’clock the carriages com- ; menced to roll up in quick succession, their ■ occupants being chiefly ladies, who were conducted by their male protectors to-the dresscircle. Lady Vogel and family arrived a little before half-past 12 o’clock, and occupied a private box to the left of the stage. The pit and stalls were appropriated to the use of the general public, who were strongly represented. About a quarter to 1- o’-clock the curtain rose, the Artillery- Band, under the leadership ot Mr. Gbraino,. discoursing appropriate music. The scene in- the circle from the stage, the varied and tasteful dresses ot the ladiea harmonising so well that they might almost have been arranged and placed by an. artist, was quite a picture —such an one, indeed, as we flatter ourselves no other city in the colony could produce, and of which any place might well be proud. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, Sir Julius Vogel sitting immediately to his right; and on the stage therewere present—his Honor the Chief Justice (James Prendergast, Esq.), his Honor the Deputy - Superintendent (H. Bunny, Esq.,. M.H.B), the Hon. the Premier (Major Atkinson), the Hon. the Minister for Public Works (E. Richardson, Esq.), the Hon. the Minister for Justice (C. C. Bowen, Esq.), the Hon. the Minister for Customs (G. McLean, Esq.), the Hon. Dr. Grace, the Hon. Colonel Brett, the Hon. W. B. Rhodes, the Superintendent of Taranaki (A. Carrington, Esq., M.H.R.), Sir Robert Douglas, M.H.R. ; Messrs. S. Shrimski, M.H.R., H. Minders, M.H.R., W. S. Moorhouse, M.H.R:, George Hunter, M.H.R., W. J. M. Lamacb, M.H.R., E. Pearce, M.H.R.,. E. Barff, M.H.R., M. Kennedy, M.H.R.,. Vincent Pyke, M.H.R., Captain Morris, M.H.R., G. H. Tribe, M.H.R. (Hon. Sec.) J. Plimmer, J. Draasfield,. E. W, Mills, Dr. Diver, A. Young, W. -H. Clayton, J. Smith, T. McKenzie, J. McDowell, J. M. Thompson, F. Fulton, H. Mace, E. T. GiUon, F. Captain Holt, Rous Marten, J. E. George, 0. Taylor, F. Johns, J. GilUgon,. L. Levy, D. Rankin, G.; Roxburgh, C. O’Neill, S- S. Downes, T. Erwin, E. Stafford, J,

Nicholson, C. Hoos, J. Ballinger, K.. Sloim, and a number of other influential citizens. ,In opening the proceedings, 1 ' 1 The Matob said ::i .feel in rather a novel position on this occasion. I do not think I ever before tad the honor of addressing sp attractive an audience , from behind the footlights and with- such scenic accompaniments, and I perhaps feel this novelty all- the more, inasmuch as there is so little of the histrionic character in me that: I < cannot even agree with the prince of dramatists in his famous saying—' ’ ' . \ - AH the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players. I hold, on the contrary, [that all of us have a large amount of hard work to accomplish, if we will only set ourselves ■to its .accomplishment. But it is a wise philosophy that counsels adaptation to circumstances,, and I shall try to adapt myself now, As you are aware, we are met to-day to present an address and testimonial to. Sir Julius Vogel—an address expressive of the sentiments of respect, esteem, and friendship entertained by many of us for that gentleman, whoisabout to leave these shores for England. In doing so, I could have, wished, and I say it in no spirit'of affectation, that the duty which devolves upon me had fallen upon some one more capable or more conversant with this particular department,,and the only apology I have,to offer for my occupying my present position (but I trust you will think it sufficient) is this—that the duty is none of my , seeking, and that I strove very hard to have it transferred to some other of my. friends; with what amount of success, or rather want of success, you now see. At ,the same time, the duty, is one perfectly in accordance with my own views and feelings, and one. if I could only perform it with any measure of satisfaction to myself, that would be eminently pleasing, were it not that the shadow of a farewell hangs over it, and all farewells, no matter how favorable the circumstances may be, and all partings from ' old familiar faces," are inevitably accompanied with more or less of sadness. Before proceeding to the immediate business of the, meeting, you will perhaps pardon me for making one or two necessary explanatory statements. Why, it has been asked, present an address at all ? My answer to that question is very direct, distinct, and nnmistakeable. We present this address and testimonial to Sir Julius Vogel becauses it pleases us, and in the exercise of that liberty of speech and action which is our undoubted prerogative. We do it in vindication of the character of our friend, who has latterly been misunderstood and misrepresented, and that, too, when he did not possess the opportunity of defending himself. We have asked no one to join us to whom it was not a pleasure, and while pursuing a course so voluntary and unobjectionable, we do not see any reason for asking, by your leave, of any gainsayers. Not only so, but we present this address and testimenial because we believe it is a public duty to recognise the useful public services of public men. Only a few months since I had the honor of joining in a welcome to Sir Julius Vogel in this city, and not being in the habit (if I may be permitted to say so) of indulging in unmeaning panegyric, I am not aware that it is necessary to modify or retract a single statement I then made ; and I am utterly unable to understand how the fact of a man’s resignation of office, either through ill-health or other private considerations, can possibly cancel a. debt of gratitude for past services, of which we have largely reaped the benefit. There is, however, a class of people, and we can only pity them, whose gratitude is only evinced in a lively sense of favors to come. lam not, however, going to enterinto any defenceof Sir J ulius Vogel’spublio career. He is perfectly well able to do that for himself. Bnt what lam concerned to say, because he is not likely to say it for himself, is this—that this public policy, in the face of mistakes, —and I am not going to stultify myself and insult your judgments by saying that no mistakes have been made, —but this public policy —mistakes notwithstanding—wasdevised and carried out with a thoroughly loyal and patriotic desire for the public welfare, and with an entire absence of self-seeking on his part. Sir Julius Vogel has net enriched himself at the expense of the country. He might have done so, we are told, if he chose, and I am hot going to deny the assertion. I wonder, however, if it has ever occurred to these critics what the expenditure in connection with the Premiership might be in the hands of one to whom the fair fame of this new country had become, very dear. Lord Bussell has said that he never was in debt until he became a Minister of the Crown. At all events, this fault, if fault there has been, is a rare one, and one at least that leans to virtue’s _ side. Here, at least, we have had no cheese-paring—-no mean, petty economies. And when present prejudice has passed away and been forgotten—when the history of New Zealand comes to he fairly written, 1 venture to predicate that the services of Sir Julius Vogel will occupy a prominent place in its pages. Observe, I am not speaking of any faultless, impossible individual —I am speaking of a man with faults and failings like the rest of us, hut of a man who, according to his lights, has strenuously and with great ability done a great work in the settlement and progress of this fresh new country. Another class of objectors tell us that Sir Julius Vogel is leaving the country when it is in difficulties—that he is deserting the ship when it is in danger. I am sorry he is leaving the country. 1 am quite sure he would prove “ a daring pilot in extremity,” pleased, perhaps, “ with the danger when the waves went high.” But there are no difficulties —there is no danger;-either present or prospective. No doubt we shall have fluctuations in trade—a rise and fall of prices. We cannot expect always to enjoy the prosperity of the last few years. Every community connected with the commerce of the world must he prepared to share in the world’s viccissitndes, for we are all parts and proportions of one wondrous whole, and we should ho prepared to take the thunder as well as the sunshine with a frolic welcome. But there is no fear of the trim little bark ; even when we cannot see the havoc, be fore it lies upon the nether side fair and spacious, and all that we have to do is to steer right on in all honor and honesty, hating not a jot of heart or hope. No fear for New Zealand if we are only true %o ourselves. His Worship then read the following address to Sir Julius Vogel :

“ As yon are about to leave New Zealand, we cannot allow you to depart without expressing our regret at losing one who has so largely and beneficially influenced the condition of the position in the Government of the colony for many years, and to have been intimately connected with those measures which during that period have secured its uninterrupted proaP€ “ We deeply, regret losing your skilful leadership, but feel assured that the policy which yon initiated and have successfully worked is now so firmly established that we tnav look hopefully to the future, more especially as our interests in the mother country will be submitted to your care. “ We ask your acceptance of the accompanying token of our regard, which would probably have been in a different form and of greater value had time allowed. It is the spontaneous offering of some of the many who feel that the colony has been largely benefited by your ser«We now heartily wish you, Lady Vogel, and family, health and prosperity in your new sphere, and regretfully bid yon farewell His WOESHIP then said; I have the pleasure of presenting to yon, Sir Julius Vogel, a draft on P the Bank of England for £SOO. The subscription list has not yet closed, and I anticipate that a very substantial addition will be made to the amount I now have to present. Sir Julius Vogel then read the following reply - Youb Wobship, and Ladies and Gen-

tlemen,— “ Let me convey to you who here join in presenting me with this very handsome testimonial and the flattering address which accompanies it, my warmest thanks. “Ileave New Zealand with great regret, and not without the hope that I may be able to return to it It is a consolation to me to think that the regret which I feel is not un-

phared by those amongst whom I have passed so many years of my, life, and from whom 1. have received so much kindness and , generous consideration, 1 . ’ Lc / “I greatly rejoice that you recognise that, the policy with which I have been identified has proved a success., I have spared no exere tion to make it ; so. Every effort of which I have been- capable has been concentrated into the one desire to serve the country which so largely trusted ihei" I am not vain, enough to think ..that, under. , like- others might hot have done better, but it is more pleasant ’ than I can find words to express, to know that my labors meet with your approval. I pray that the coming years will confirm that and that the colonists will hold in kindly recollection, one,whose ambition it has been to share in' making New Zealand the great country he firmly believes she is destined to become. , . , “I thank you for' the good wishes you express for Lady Vogel, my family, and myself. In one sense ;only we say farewell, .though thousands of miles separate us from New Zealand, our hearts and sympathies, will never pe far removed from it; and it will; always bo to me the greatest gratification whenever I may be able to do anything to serve and promote its welfare. ~ “ Julius Vogel. , He continued. Perhaps you will aUow me also to add to my written remarks which I have read, some few words in the shape ,of a parting address. It is difficult when one,feels very deeply to express all that one; desires to say; but believe me, I. feel very sensible of the great kindness that ■ has been done me by the presentation of this flattering address, and, this splendid testimonial. Nor am I insensible of the attention and kindness -and honor shown to me ,by the large attendance here at such a'busy and inconvenient hour of the day. Especially ; am I not unmindful of the great honor done ipeby. the attendance of so many of the fairer sex. I need riot assure you that if anything would add to the pleasure I feel on this occasion it is the fact that the theatre is so largely graced by. the ladies of Wellington, amongst whom my family and myself have lived so long, and from whom we have, experienced so much kindness. (Cheers.) I should like on this farewell occasion, if I am not trespassing upon your time too much—if I am I hope you will warn me—to say a few words concerning my career in New'Zealand. (Cheers.) It seems to me that this is an occasion when I, leaving New Zealand, may fitly ask your indulgence to listen to such an account, without rendering myself open to a charge of undue egotism. I arrived in New Zealand in Dunedin in 1861, when I was 26 years of age. I had previously been in the colony of Victoria for several years, and when I left that colony, like many others, I believed there was no country at all equal to that which I had left. It is in my memory, and in the memory of many of you, that about the time I mention there were very numerous arrivals of Victorian colonists in New Zealand, who brought with them the idea that there was no country in the world equal to Victoria. I may say that it was not till ' some time after I arrived that I was able to do sufficient justice to the colonists of New Zealand—to the eminent colonising qualities of those who had settled New Zealand. We brought down from Victoria recollections of the rapid progress in the shape of large, cities growing up, and railways and telegraphs constructed, yet it was doing an injustice to New Zealand to expect to find here the same amount of progress which had taken place in the country from’which we came. The gold discoveries in that colony had carried it to the utmost pitch of prosperity in a very short time. I dare say your Worship and many present may recollect the time when the new arrivals used to speak of the colonists as the “ old identities,” while old colonists in their turn spoke of the new arrivals as “ the new iniquities but as time went on these distinctions disappeared, and I believe no colony ever owed so much to its own individual resources, .to its own colonising tendencies, as New Zealand; and the position the colony now occupies may be considered as due to the exertions of the people of New Zealand themselves. (Cheers.) Shortly after my arrival I started the first daily paper in the' colony. When I arrived there were two weekly papers in Dunedin, and such was the demand for space for business advertisements that I recollect on one occasion one of the papers came out with half a column of reading matter, the rest of the paper being entirely devoted to advertisements. It seemed to me that there was a fair opportunity for enlarging the scope of the Press, and accordingly I brought out the first daily paper. I remember the experiment by some was considered exceedingly bold. My manager came to me even a few hours before the first sheet was issued and said, “Don’t you think it very rash to issue the paper daily; don’t you think we might be content with an issue three times a week.” I still kept to my purpose, and three or four hours afterwards there was such a rush of advertisements that we absolutely had, with the first number, to bring out a supplement. That was the first daily paper in New Zealand. I am afraid to say how many there are in New Zealand now. We have three here in Wellington, and four in Christchurch, and so on. Perhaps yon will pardon what may appear to be the vanity of an old journalist if I say I think the history of the Press of a country is to some extent synonomous with the progress of the country itself; that an Anglo-Saxon country shows its development by the extent to which the people are willing to encourage a frea expression of public opinion through the means of the Press. Shortly after this time—the following year—l became a member of the Provincial Council of Otago, and in 1863 I was elected a member of the General Assembly. Soon after I had the honor of becoming a member of the Provincial Executive and the head of the Government of the province of Otago, which position I held for a long while. In 1869 I left the province, having ceased to be connected with the Otago Dally Times, with the intention of taking up my residence in - Auckland. I attended the Parliamentary session of 1869, and, at the invitation of Mr. Fox, assumed office, he doing me the honor to ask me to join the Government as Colonial Treasurer. I consented to do so, upon the understanding that I was only to remain in office for a short time, my impression being that ! should not be able to make such private business arrangements as would enable me to continue to hold office for any length of time. Pardon me for digressing a moment while on this topic, which gives me the opportunity of expressing my hearty feeling of what I owe to Mr. Pox. Mr. Fox was to me what a veteran public man is to those young men whom he encourages to a like career. Ever since I have been in public life I have always recognised that any success 1 may have achieved has been owing to the kindness and friendship shown me by Mr. Fox when he took office in 1869. (Cheers.) At the time we took office in 1869 we were met by a very formidable difficulty in the determination the Imperial Government had expressed to remove from the colony the troops which had hitherto aided in preserving order, or at anyrate by their presence inspired that feeling of confidence in the colonists which the Imperial Government now thought the colonists should have in themselves. It was not that the removal of the Imperial troops interposed any immediate difficulties, but it engendered the feeling that we had no longer any resource to work upon in case of disturbances other than that provided by the small population then in the colony. Owing to the native difficulties we had a heavydebt ; and when I talk of debt I speak of an unproductive debt; not a debt for which we had received railways, and roads, and bridges, and telegraphs, but a debt for which wo had nothing to show beyond the memory of battles fought and gunpowder expended. It became our duty in the face of this difficulty to take steps to enlarge the population of the colony, and to improve the country for the use of those who settled in it. That was the origin of the Public Works and Immigration policy of the Fox Ministry. Sir, you yourself just referred to the outcome of that policy, and I, too, venture to say that it has been a great success. I recollect the time when we were told by the head of the Government of the

neighboring 1 ’ colony, Victoria, “ Ah,'“'New3 Zealand’ is doirig "the very-best thing! lorus. She’ may pay for immigration, but we shall benefit by it" AU’her'immigrants will find their way to Victoria 1 ,” 1 Sir, What Ban been - the result ? " During the time the tens of thou"sands have been pouring into New Zealand from the old country, more have come to us from the neighboring; colonies" than have! gone’ hence the. balance ’has been in our. favor. ‘ It is a singular thing, 1 unless we 'connect cause with effect, that’ at: this time; just when we are easing off our expenditure with regard to public works, we at once find that ’that action is followed, not in one place, blit throughout the country in all directions, by very’’much increased attention being paid to the ■ gold-producing interests of the colony; (Cheers.) ' I don’t look upon this' as as an accident, as some seem disposed to do, but I look upon it that the labor 1 which is realised from one ’ class of work naturally turns to developing the 1 producing interests; of the country in another’, direction, and I believe the result will be that this development will go forward with such results as will more than compensate 1 for the loss 1 the colony has sustained by the fall in the price of wool to which your Worship has referred.’ Further, I think it is worthy of remark that notwithstanding , the 1 enormous stream of immi’gration to. this colony, there has rarely or ever been a time when labor ‘ was more scarce .than it is now. And this is a good sign of general prosperity. I for one believe that times of high wages are times of prosperity ‘ for all,—when the laboring classes of the population are prosperous all classes are prosperous,—and I never have been amongst those who are fearful of the rate of wages being too high. X have only to look to the United' States for an example to bear me out in that view. (Cheers). Now, with respect to the railways. I think it is a very fair indication of the success of the public' works scheme that the railways are reproductive. I find that besides paying expenses they ‘are yielding a clear average of nearly 3 'percent., and that is a larger result' than I ventured to anticipate so soon. Not only do the railways yield more than was expected, but as far as we have gone at present we have borrowed money for purposes of, construction at a less cost than the. average rate calculated tipori. The assumption was that we should have to borrow at an average rate of 5J per cent. We have borrowed at less than that. At the time we brought down these proposals, too, there was a contingency mentioned of possibly increased taxation. Gentlemen, we have also escaped that. We have gone through an ex- 1 ceptionally difficult time —more difficult than has been generally understood and appreciated—for' we have-for years paid out' of the Consolidated Revenue, that is, the ordinary revenue of the colony, the interest on the cost of railways during the time they were in course of construction, that is, during the time they were entirely nonproductive. The land fund has been left free for the provinces; out of the Consolidated Revenue has been paid a large sum for ininterest on works for the time unproductive. I quite agree with your Worship that we have no right to consider this a time of difficulty, but rather that we are beginning to reap the reward of the enterprise and exertion which have been displayed by the colonists during the past few years. It would ill become me if I did not take the opportunity of expressing my sense of the great assistance I have received in carrying out this policy from many public men, but particularly from Sir Donald McLean and Mr. Richardson. To Sir Donald McLean we owe that continued peaceful relation with the native race which has enabled us to pursue our colonising policy without disturbance. It is not strange when one considers it that so much is owing to the exertions of a single individual. It is generally agreed that in dealing with a semi-civilised race it is absolutely necessary to have recourse to personal government. The great secret of Sir Donald McLean’s success with the Maoris is that he rules them through affection. He makes them feel that he believes in them, likes them, and has their interests at heart; and so they believe in him. To Sir Donald McLean we owe the peace which has enabled the immi- . gration policy to be carried out. There are few in New Zealand who are able to so fully realise as I do what we owe to the Hon. Mr. Richardson in carrying out the Public Works policy of this country. It would, of course, ie too much to expect that any one could carry out large public works throughout a country like this without some mistakes being committed; but it is to the fact of Mr. Richardson’s practical knowledge of the work of his department, and his untiring devotion, that I attribute the small number of errors o? failures that have occurred. In fact the number is so small that I think I am not wrong in saying it would be very difficult for. anyone readily to day his’ finger on one of them. Remembering these things, in my opinion it is, impossible to acknowledge too emphatically.. the gratitude which the colony owes to Mr.| Richardson and Sir Donald McLean for the. successful manner in which they have administered their departments. Without referring to my other colleagues who now mainly compose the Government, by name, I cannot help saying that there has been a tendency throughout the colony frequently to attribute too much to me, and to overlook the fact that I could not possibly have done what I have been enabled to without the assistance of my colleagues. The country had also the valuable services of Mr. Ormond, Mr. Gisborne, and Mr. Reynolds. I ask you to recollect this, that whatever success attended the efforts of the Government during the last few years is not wholly or indeed mainly due tome. Withoutmy colleagues I could have done nothing. I am now going to ask you for a very great indulgence, as it may well be considered at this time of the day, when many of you may be thinking of the obligations you are under in respect to the fulfilment of your duties. I am going to ask you to allow me to read a short extract from the Sydney Morning Herald, of the 29th of August last,' a paper distinguished by Conservative tendencies, and especially by the absence of all enthusiasm or impulsiveness in dealing with public matters. The article to which I allude draws a distinction between the results of the Government of' New Zealand and' New South Wales, and to my mind it says more than I could well utter in favor of this colony : “It is only thirty-eight years since the formation of the New Zealand Company for the colonisation of this Great Britain of the South. In 1851 the white population was only 26,000. Ten years later it had become 99,000 ; at the date of the last census of 1871 it was 256,000, and at the present time it cannot be less than 400,000, or two-thirds of ours and half that of Victoria. When New Zealand had no existence as a British colony. New South Wales had a population of over 100,000 people, a larger number than the island colony had only fifteen years ago. During these last fifteen years our numbers have not doubled, while those of New Zealand have increased fourfold. Should the same relative rate of increase be continued for fifteen years more, in the year 1890 New Zealand will have a population of a million and a half, and New South Wales one of a million and a quarter. That is precisely what will take place, unless our own statesmen, who are never weary of telling us what Constitutional Government has done for the country, will undertake the work of colonisation in a manner very different from that of the last twenty years For about thirty-six thousand people introduced into this colony from the United Kingdom since 1861, New Zealand has introduced about one hun-. dred and thirty thousand, or one-third of her present population, and in fact more than half, including the natural increase. The largest number of arrivals was for the years 1862-4 until the end of 1872, but for the last three years the number of was as large as for the previous twelve years. If there be any foundation for the dread of what has been termed "a glut in the labor market,’ New Zealand ought by this time to be fin the brink of rilin. Whether she is or not will appear by a comparison with ourselves—the nonimmigration colony par excellence —in respect of several crucial tests.” After giving a table of the . rates of revenue, the writer proceeds to ’ say : —“ Is the rate of taxation in New Zealand excessive 1 If

to-ISe^-sonS—-dispsHty bet Ween-the leading industries of thetwo 1 colonies ■! and' there ■ is, but*. the 1 disparity is' on ; the wrong side ) 's'so , 'faP?a!s!we are concerned. nFpr’the’ year ISTI wuhaditwentytwo'niilHoris 1 of shefep, rind bur wridhiclip: was returned at seventyffive million pounds weight, •equal inVilue to five" million pourids "striding, including the 1 s overland "traffic. The . latest returns from New Zealand showithe wool clip to be, in quantity,'' fifty-four million pounds weight) and nearly three and a halt millions in value 1 for little ’more' than half-our stock of sheep. In proportion to the 1 population this is a larger yield than ' burs," both-’ inweight and" value ;" and;- in- proportion to the area of the two colonies, the production m "New Zealand is twice as large"as ours. In "comparison with ourselves; therefore, it is- clear-that Hbr pastoral industry cannot have suffered' from her liberal immigration policy, ’ but, 1 on e the contrary, it" has ' been wonderfully stimulated. Her agricultural-returns are still, more favorable. She has one-twelfth 1 of! the "whole i«ea 1 of alienated lands under artificial grabs, arid in'addition to that she’ has more thauthalf a million "‘acres " under-.tillage ;;' an absolutely larger area than ours,, and more than twice as large relatively to the population. " Her growth of Wheat is halt 'as large again as ours,-arid of •oats larger than our yield of oats,-barley; arid maize combined," The last nained cereal is not suitable to the climate, but ;iri" other cereals the yield is twice as large per acre as in theother Australian colonies, partly owing to the fertility of the - soil;, but still more to better culture. ’ As to general manufacturing: indus; tries neither colony can claim to have accomplished much at" present,- because the land is by far the best- paying investment either for "pastoral; agricultural, or mining purposes, and until there is a ! much larger looaljconsumption, there will not be much room for manufacturing enterprise. But New Zealand, with few natural advantages, is progressing towards this stage of social development more rapidly than New South Wales,' though the latter colony has the advantage of cheap coal and iron in almost illimitable ' quantities. The policy of Sir Julius Vogel is to. bring people into the" country as fast as they can be had, construct Government works for opening np the country to an extent equal to the increase of the population, and import capital from Europe at the same time "to keep these works going. Badly managed, such a policy would be disastrous ;—well managed, it - is the only one capable of rapidly converting a small colony into a great and powerful community.” Knowing as I do what prejudice has existed in New South Wales, and has. been expressed in this very - paper against the policy of the New -Zealand Government, this article, which was only brought under my notice last night, made a great impression upon- ine, because it shows how other colonies are beginning to recognise the wisdom of the policy pursued in New Zealand. I will not detaiuyou by referring to other public measures with which I have been concerned. I take leave to think, however, that so long as the colony exists it will not be forgotten that we have, a beneficent system of Government life assurance, and no one can fail to recognise the advantage of the cable communication which has been established between New Zealand and other parts of the world; and I may claim some small share in carrying out that undertaking. A good deal has been said about my two missions to England. Well, gentlemen, I will ask you to do me the justice to believe that these missions were not undertaken; for my personal pleasure, but because I thought that by going Home I should have an opportunity of being of service to the colony. It is not agreeable to. travel in great haste over many thousands of miles with a large family, and in each case I did not expect to be absent from the colony more than six or seven months, Some may say, Why take your family? And there are certain things in which everybody must judge for himself or herself ; and owing to the nature of the 01-health I am subject to, it is always understood by my wife and myself that whatever the demand of public affairs maybe, it shall not induce us to separate. ; (Applause). There is one other subject which is at the present time attracting a great deal of attention, namely, the abolition of provinces. I hope you will; recollect this, that I am now occupying a position in which it would be very; improper for me to take part in politics or express political opinions, and I think you will agree that 1 am consulting the dignity and respect of my office when I ask you to allowme to abstain from entering upon that question. I come now to the condition of things which led to my assuming the office of Agent ; General. When I returned to the colony on the last occasion, it was in my mind,' and I looked forward to the time as not very far distant, when I shohld be able to leave the Government and attend to my own private affairs, and to endeavor to restore my health, which, I was advised, would be impossible so long as I continued to devote myself to the affairs of the; Government. I ask you to believe me . when ! say to you that my taking the office of Agent-General had very little to do with the fact of my retirement from public life. It bright be said that I should have continued to hold .office till the end of the session, but'that would have been hardly possible, for since my retirement from office my health has been so bad that" my medical adviser has told me that it would'have been impossible to do so. But you may say, “ How, then, is it right for you to take the office of Agent-General ?” Gentlemen, I may tell you I was advised that my ill-health was the result of excessive application to brain work, and in taking the office of Agent-General I am really taking that comparative rest of which I stand in need. No doubt many of you have come across Cook Straits when a gale was blowing there, and no doubt many of you have experienced a feeling of pleasure when, after being tossed about by the untiring, tempestuous waves, you have found yourselves under the lighthouse and sailing along pleasantly in the smooth water of the harbor. Now, gentlemen, there is as much difference between the Office of Premier and'Agent-General as there is between Gook Straits in a storm and the smooth water of 1 Wellington Harbor. I do not fora moment undervalue the importance of the duties; pertaining to the office of AgentGeneral ; but there are very few who fully recognise the enormous labor, responsibility, and anxiety of those who ’ hold office in the Government. The work of a Minister is never at an end. He cannot say at any time that he has completed his work for that day ; even at the dead of night his duties occasionally demand his attention: That is a very different office to the one I am about to occupy; and I entertain hopes that my health will be restored. I had felt for a long time that it would be impossible for me to continue to hold office. I cannot do ’ things by halves. I have often been advised to take things more easily, but it is notin my nature to do so. It is with me doing a thing entirely as it ought to be done, or not doing it all There are many, of my friends in New Zealand, and I hope I may number most of those here as my friends, who will believe me when I say it was "my firm conviction that the state of my health rendered it necessary I should resign my position in the Government, that was the primary cause of my doing so. Well, then, gentlemen, it has been said that I left at an inconvenient time, and so on. I am unable to see that there was any foundation whatever for such a statement. It appears to me that I resigned at a time when the Government was most powerful, when its policy was fully recognised—-a policy which there were many men in the colony well capable of carrying out. I would say this much for myself, and I hope you will excuse me for doing so, that I cannot charge myself with being a selfish politician. (Cheers). I am not one of .those who will take from the country more than I brought to it. I owe to my own personal exertions what I have attained in life.. I am not ashamed to say that I have known what it was to want, and that I have worked very’ hard to obtain a mere living ; and, gentlemen, I am not ashamed to say that when I came to the colony I came without bringing money with me. But since I came to this colony, by inheritance and .by means placed at my disposal, I have brought to Now Zealand a very considerable sum—a sum little short of £IO,OOO, and I am taking away very much less

from the coloay.'’'''l' cannot tKerefore • charge" myself with Belfiahriess." It is utterly i impossible, 'without some extraordinary good fortune, that one who holds a public thO position of a Minister in New Zealand—can adequately attend to his; private affairs. -.There are some things .■ into which a Minister obviously cannot enter,! and in'respect to them there is no credit die to Him that lie is not unfaithful to his triist.: But there* are " many *: undertakings into which - he may creditably enter, - although looming in the distance there may be the ‘ remote possibility .of a conflict'with public duties. I have, however, made it my invariable rule to have nothing to do with • such undertakings. But, putting these on one .’side, and dealing with only ordinary business matters, it is impossible a Minister ban adequately attend to his private affairs who is so overwhelmed with work and responsibility as the Ministers of New Zealand have been during the years I have a knowledge of the Government of the colony. ; I will now say a few words about the. future. - Ido hope that the colony will not lose sight of'that policy which has done so much, for it, that it will continue it, as circumstances show' that it is ; desirable to do so, —looking of course to the means of the colony from time to time, —that it willcontinuo the course of immigration to the colony arid the,'progress of public works. I do hope, •in recollection ■of what has already been achieved through that policy, that i(j will be carried but to the full, one of the main objects being; instead of a fringe of settlement in this and the other island,, to carry settlement 1 from orie side to the other, from one end to the other, and make the country become wbat I really believe it is capable Of becoming—the hoirie' of an enormous population (Cheers.) ' Nor can I leave this colony without saying one word in favor of the race which inhabited it long before we came here, and which I believe will continue and 1 increase. I believe we' have in the natives the material of a most useful civilised face. I believe they are quite as capable of improvement as our Own forefathers were who roamed about Britain in the past, when civilisation was unknown there. I believe they possessgreat capabilities, and from the fact of theifadaptation to warm climates, I think it will be found in the ■ course of time that by the commingled efforts of the two races, Maori and European, we shall carry dominion from New Zealand throughout the whole islands of Polynesia. (Applause.) Turning to another subject, I hope and believe it is hardly necessary for me to urge anything in favor of making the rising population of New Zealand an educated one, because the colonists are thoroughly saturated with a determination to carry out that policy. There is one other question which no doubt, many of you will think a new one, and which you may not have thought of; but which; I believe, before many years, perhaps months, have elapsed, will occupy a good deal of attention, and come prominently before you for your consideration. That question is as to whether it is desirable to federalise the Australian colonies, and how it is to be done ; and whether or notit is expedient for New Zealand to join in such confederation. That federation is urgently demanded by many local and national considerations no one can doubt who has thought over the subject. But, so far as New Zealand is concerned,: I am of opinion that it will not be to the interest of New Zealand to join in such federation. We are more distant in New Zealand than other civilised countries from any other country. New Zealand has often been called the Great Britain of the South. But Great Britain is only two hours from the' coast of France, and four days will take you to the most distant part of the Continent of Europe. But four days will scarcely take you from New Zealand to the nearest point of Australia. Ido not think it would be wise for Now Zealand to join in any scheme of federation. I will now say a few words about Wellington itself. I will not deny that which indeed most of you are aware of, that I did not come to Wellington originally with very friendly feelings. I was amongst those who opposed the removal of the seat of Government from Auckland to this place, and consequently came here withsome prejudice against this city. I am glad to say, however, that I and many others have outlived that prejudice, and I attribute it to the great tact displayed by all classes of the people of Wellington under the circumstances. They showed great judgment in dealing with the question, for it is often more difficult to deal with prosperity than with adversity. They not only showed a disposition to treat strangers who came here with great kindness, but there was an absence of any desire to evince the triumph of victory, and above all there was no disposition shown to take advantage of their close proximity to the Government for the purpose of procuring exceptional local advantages. I can speak from personal knowledge—for instance, for a town of the size of Wellington you could not find in New Zealand such a wretched Post Office or so inadequate a court of justice. (Hear, hear). There has been a marked desire to avoid using the presence of the Government to obtain undue advantages. The prosperity of Wellington is not caused solely by its being the seat 'of Government. ::Jf you were to divide the town and compare the results of the last few years, you would find that that part of the town which may fairly be considered as owing its progress to commerce compares very favorably with that part which may be held to owe itsprogress to the Government being located here. I feel it my duty to say so much, for I am not afraid to admit that I had at one time a great prejudice against this city. Ido not intend to detain you. much longer, and will now say a few words in conclusion. ' When this session commenced, or about the time I retired from office, there was in my mind the thought . that it might not be undesirable that there should be some change in the Ministry. I felt the time had come when some other man younger in office than myself would be more acceptable., I had been in office beyond the time during which it is supposed one in such a position can make way against the enmity public life naturally arouses.

let the old tree go down, to the earth the old tree. With the worm at its heart, lay the axe to the root, Who would miss the old stump so yon save the young shoot, i But since X have left office, the evidences I have '■ not only from the people of this city,, but from other parts of the colony, have convinced me that whatever the feeling entertained by a considerable section of the people, yet I am fairly entitled to go away with the conviction that I hold a large share of the esteem and respect of a majority of the colonists of New Zealand. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) That evidence has been given to me by many ways I should not be able to mention to you how, but it has been brought to my notice in the most unmistakable terms ; and it is a great solace to me to carry away'from the colony the thought that I leave behind so many kind friends (that I have not exhausted my welcome ; that when the time coines for me to return ‘ to New Zealand, I shall find friends glad to see me again. (Loud cheers.) It is very hard to say farewell, and yet the time has come when I must do so.' I say farewell to you, and I assure you that I do so with many sad regrets—with many pleasant memories of the kindness which my family aud myself have received from the people of Wellington, and gratitude on my part far the indulgence which has been granted to my imperfections! I say farewell to you, expressing my fervent hope that this country will be blessed in every way, through its people and its resources, to the fullest extent that its wannest friends and most ambitious aspirants could wish for ; and may it become such a 1 country as I believe and hope it will. For myself, ladies and gentlemen, once more I bid you all farewell, bearing in mind the fact that New Zealand has been the country of my life, and will be the country for which it will he ,my pleasing duty to do all I possibly can in the future. Let me say farewell; and perhaps the easiest way to say so is to leave the rest to your kindly indulgence. I have left unsaid much that I ought to say. Accept my gratitude for the acts of kindness you have shown me on this and many other occasions. I would ask you to bear in mind that when the_ heart is very full it is impossible to do justice to one’s thoughts and intentions. Again, ladies * and gentlemen, permit me to say farewell. ‘

; : g^^n^^y^^-"tlim"Troßuines''Wß, seat amidst'loud applause.' .' i '•'■■’ ' Mr.-' GeOhgE' ITcnteh said : I think I shall express’.’the| feeliigs l of 1 every. onepresejit in saying’’ that’ We‘ should fail in our duty if we did 1 not- remember that ■ this is probably the ! last public occasion' on whicH Lady Vogel Will l grace ns vdth her presence. I think the factof seeing so many ladies in the gallery to-day is sufficient evidence of- the esteem in which that lady is! held in Wellington, and it is pleasing and satisfactory to see'that this occasion has-been taken advantage’of to demonstrate the feelings with which the people, of Wellington'regard Lady and Vogel, tinged with feelings of regret that; they are about to depart from New Zealand.' Lady Vogel's presence in Wellington will-be njissed by many. ■ She has been distinguished by her hospitality, charity, and kindness 'to all, and I am satisfied has set an example which will bear fruit in this community. I shall; simply ask the gentlemen present to join with me in giving three cheers for Lady Vogel. 1 1 ' In response to this appeal, three lusty cheers were given, and three more for Sir' Julius Vogel. ■ ■ ■■ : Sir Julius Vogel', in returning thanks for the honor conferred upon Lady Vogel, remarked that it was usual in returning thanks to deprecate the compliment ; but he could not do so. He thought no man had been blessed with a better wife, and was fully aware that to her waS ’due a great deal of his success in life. It was therefore a great gratification to him, and increased the pleasure of the day,’ to find that they were not unmindful of the’ fact that they were about to lose a lady whom they respected and esteemed.

This concluded the proceedings, and the meeting dispersed., -, r ■ ,