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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2567, 13 June 1881, Page 2

Bin Julius Yogel thinks he has been badly treated by the Ministry in not giving him commission on the last loan. In a letter which was laid before Parliament on the opening day, he argues with considerable force that he was entitled to something beyond the salary attached to his office, and docs not hesitate to state that it was mainly through his efforts that the loan was successfully floated. From his letter it would appear that the Crown agents are well paid. Sir Julius Yogel says :—“ And when it is considered that I receive less for my four years’ services as Agent-General, including the work of the loan, than the ether Agents received as commission on the loan only, can it be wondered that I feel I have not had justice done me ?” There is a pathetic eloquence in the letter of the late Agent-General, as he recounts the many services he rendered to the colony. He also pays a feeling tribute to both his friends and political opponents. He says :— ‘‘ Since I have been in England, constant reference has been made to me in debate in both houses of the New Zealand Parliament, and with the exception of two or three gentlemen, who, if the recollection of old political comradeship have any weight, might have acted more kindly to an absent man, I have no one to complain of. Not only have the bulk of my old friends adhered staunchly to me, but I have met with conspicuous consideration from many opponents with whom, in the days of old, I had many rough encounters. I cannot too strongly acknowledge the high-bred courtesy which in the case of nearly all my old opponents has certainly made them say loss in my absence than they would before me. I have been struck too, by the justice with which the original policy of public works and immigration, as proposed by me, lias been distinguished by the divergent channels into which it subsequently fell.” It is perfectly true that the public works policy was not carried out on the original lines proposed by Sir Julius Vogel. He raised a monster which he could not quell. However, before a single mile of railway was authorised, Mr Stafford (now Sir W. E.) and Mr Richmond pointed out in the most clear manner what would follow from the scramble for public works on the floor of the House. Sir Julius Vogel has hopes that justice yet will be done him. In the concluding portion of his letter he says.:—“ I do not despair that ere long a more generous view will be taken of the services I honestly believe I have rendered to the Colony than are at present entertained, and I look forward with a hope that quite independently of all party views, there will come a recognition .of those services with the full concurrence of both parties in the House and of the Colony generally.” Failing to get a commission on the loan,. Sir Julius Vogel applied for an allowance of one month’s salary for each year’s service as Agent-General, but this has been refused by the Hon. Mr Hall. The mighty has fallen. That the greatest of colonial financiers—the man who initiated the public works and immigration policy—should ask for and be refused the pittance of a few months’ salary is a warning to those who would sacrifice their private prospects for the ambition of shining in public life.