SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 217, 23 August 1884, Page 3

SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

Sir Julius Vogel, (says the Melbourne Leader} by a mixture of plausibility and audacity, has again pushed himself to the front in New Zealand politics. The hybrid character of Mr. Atkinson’s Goverment, and the public discontent that prevailed owing to the severe depression in trade, enabled Sir Julius to become without much difficulty the leader of the disaffected, even though it was well known that his object in revisiting the colony was purely personal. Judging from the results of the late general election he may now be regarded as master of the situation. Two of the Ministers and several of their adherents lost their seats, while Sir Julius has been returned for Christchurch North, by the largest majority ever known at any previous election in the colony. This gives him, apart from his antecedents, a prestige which he and his friends will not be slow to utilise, The relative strength of parties in the new’ Paliament places Sir Julius Vogel at the head of a following of 31, while the supporters of the Goverment only number 30. Sir George Grey can count on at least 15, and the remaining members, numbering about 10, are undecided. Mr. Montgomery, who had been the ostensible leader of the Opposition, has disappeared from prominence. Already Sir Julius has opened negotiations with Sir Geo. Grey with a view to the amalgamation of their forces. The people of New Zealand are only to be placated by means of loans. Their predilection in this direction suits the genius of their former Treasurer, who fourteen years ago initiated the system on a colossal scale with full approval of the people. Sir Julius dangles millions before their eyes, and they forthwith tamely submit to his guidance. His claim for £6OOO in connection with the floating of the last loan will be considered a mere bagatelle, and will be paid accordingly; and in the course of a few months we shall probably learn that he has returned to England more firmly secured in his position of Agent General than ever, and authorised to assist in raising the new loan.