South Canterbury Times. MONDAY, JULY 10, 1882.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2898, 10 July 1882, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. MONDAY, JULY 10, 1882.

The return of Sir Julius Yogel to New Zealand has occasioned some stir and discussion. The proceedings at the Invercargill Council meeting pretty faithfully reflect public feeling throughout the colony, in regard to this personage ; though probably popular sentiment in the matter grows cooler as we go further North. Sir Julius Vogel comes back to New Zealand in the capacity of agent for a certain commercial speculation. But it cannot be forgotten that in his time he has “ played many parts ” in connection with this colony. He has been connected with its Press ; he has sat in one of its Provincial Councils, he has held Provincial office ; he has worked himself through the legislature to the Premiership, he has held the coveted and influential position of AgentGeneral. And these succeeding eminences have been won, not by the ordinary course of long and tried merit and integrity, but by sheer force of talent. He inaugurated a policy and gave New Zealand such an impetus as she had never before received. At the same time hie has not omitted to plunge his band into the colonial money-bags pretty often. He may be said to have been well paid for his great services. And they have been very great, both here and at home. In bis place in our Legislature Sir Julius worked vigorously to keep the colony advancing , and when in London, as Agent-General, he was ever watchful of our interests, and prompt to correct every mis-statement concerning us that might appear in the British Press. A man of such energy, of such varied ability, of such successful tactics, had never before appeared in our political arena. When now we receive him back, it is with a full sense of his capacity and political worth. But behind this appreciation there is an uneasy feeling concerning him. He appears to us a brilliant politician, but something of a gambler; possessing boundless energy, and’ highly capable, but—an adventurer. And now, on his return to us, denuded of his political habiliments, we cannot help regarding him as that somewhat-to-be-mistrusted individual, a disappointed man. He has staked, and lost. It is impossible to doubt that he has his keen eyes fixed on the political arena, or that he has watched carefully his opportunity, and has done his best to appear in the light of “ the man for the occasion,” When at home, he aimed at high game. Nothing less than a seat in the British Legislature would suit our Great Mogul. But he failed to obtain the seat. And, presto I here he is again! His entrance into our political arena would be easy enough. More than one constituency would welcome him with acclamation ; and, once in the House, his native sagacity, sharpened by previous disappointments, might very well be trusted to carry him up to a very considerable eminence. But would it be well for us ? Should we not be merely a means .to an end with Vogel the versatile ? There was not a little sense, as well as a grim humor, in the remarks of that councillor at Invercargill on Saturday, who said “he objected to public money being voted to receive Sir Julius Vogel, but would willingly subscribe half-a-crown to get him a pack of cards with which to begin life again. There is also a laughable side of the case. We figure to ourselves the trepidation of the expectants, the office seekers, the political Micawbers, and the “ hereditary politicians,” at the sudden swoop of this great bird. If he gets into power they will have to dodge round the table in search of crumbs, where they had hoped to sit in state.