SIR JULIUS TO GEL AT WAIWERA. A TALK WITH THE TREASURER.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 86, 24 January 1885, Page 6

SIR JULIUS TO GEL AT WAIWERA. A TALK WITH THE TREASURER.

Sir Julius Vogel, under the beneficent influences of the bracing climate and heal ing waters of Waiwera, is rapidly improv ing in health j indeed, he is now much better than he has been for months. Though apparently freed from the cares of State, his time is far from idle, and the little village at the Hot Springs has, for the nonce,been converted into the head-quarter of political action for the colony, and it is not impossible that movements incepted amongst the willows and vines of Waiwera may yet have a potent effect on the future of the colony and of the hemisphere. Countless telegrams from Bay of Islands to the Bluff come pouring in every day, and between interrals in bathing in the springs the Treasurer finds time to flash his replies, requests, and instructions to Under-Secre taries, office-seekers, and patriots generally. The press of work on the telegraph wires, indeed, has necessitated the temporary stationing of an additional telegraph operator at the Springs. The weather during the Treasurer's stay has been delightful, and ho is so charmed with the manifold attractions of the delightful spot, and has experienced so much benefit from tho use of the waters, that he has determined to prolong his visit for several weeks. The Treasurer still adheres to his mechanical chair, which has been his constant friend aiid has given him a loyal and consistent support ever since his arrival in tho colony. He bathes three times a day, being carried to the baths by his attendants. All who have come in contact with Sir Julius, no matter what their political conviction, come under the spell of his manner, A more charming conversationalist it would be difficult to meet with, and, to use a common colloquialism, he " talks like a book." He is very accessible, and a chat with the Treasurer is certainly not the least of the present attractions of the place. The other day, in my capacity of " privileged prowler," (the worthy Chairman of the Waitemata County Council is responsible for this not altogether complimentary description of the genus journalist), I dropped in on Sir Julius, and had a cosy little chat with him on matters on which at present men's minds are set. I had previously met him at Wellington, and a cordial handshake showed that he had not forgotten me.

The Samoan Business. The conversation first turned on an article that appeared recently in one of the Auckland papers, purporting to give a complete and circumstantial history of the Cabinet meetings that have been held respecting the annexation question, together with copies of cablegrams supposed to have passed between Lord Derby and the Colonial Government. The account was apparently so truthful that it was universally believed to have emanated from an official source. Sir Julius mentioned that this account was untruthful and unofficial, and suggested the probability of someone having hoaxed the paper in question. The matter of annexation having thus been introduced, it was not difficult to ask what was the real nature of the cablegrams " that had passed respecting the proposed annexation of Sanr>a." Sir Julius replied that the time had not yet arrived for these despatches to oe published. It was quite an error to suppose that the Government had purposed sending the Hinemoa to Samoa for the purpose of annexing the islauds Her mission was merely to investigate the situation, that action being taken on the strength of the petition sent by the King to the Government. Reporter : Was there any intention of also making inquiries respecting some guano islands ? Sir Julius : Mr J. C. Firth, of Auckland, suggested that Government should annex adjacent guano islands ; but, so far as he could learn, there were no islands of that description unannexed. Reporter : Do you anticipate that anything will result from the recent action of the New Zealand Government with respect to these islands ? Sir Julius ; It has forced the matter on the English Government, and they are bound to give it consideration. Reporter : What direction will their action probably take ? Sir Julius : That I cannot tell you, as the English Government does not. take the colonies into its confidence, and hence the awkward position in which the colonies arc placed. It has been a perpetual struggle to ascertain the facts. The conversation then drifted towards Lord Derby's action regarding the annexation of New Guinea, Sir Julius remarking that Germany's defence of its annexation of a portion of New Guinea might be that England had taken what she wanted, and how could she object to Germany taking wh» L was left ? She could not play the dog in the manger. Lord Derby had declared that it would be an unfriendly act were any Power to annex New Guinea. Sir .Julius here paused and remarked with a smile, " How far he will cat his words or maintain them I do not know, but Get many may reply, ' You had the opportunity of h'rdt taking all you wanted.' " Reporter : What are ) our view 3 personally regarding annexation '! Sir Julius : Personally, I attach more importance to the commercial than to the political aspect of the question. The flag will follow the trade. Last session the Housj threw out our bill dealing with the South Sea Island trade, the greater opposition to the measure coming from Auckland. This was most suicidal At the trade between Sydney and the Islands much exceeds ours, though the physical conditions favour New Zealand. Ifad that Company been formed, probably the German interests would have been glad to have made New Zealand the centre of action. There is no true disposition on the part of Germany to colonise. I really believo they candidly desire a stable government under which they may carry on business operations I don't think they intend to establish colonies. It has been stated in the newspapers — and there is no reason for questioning it— that the Germans have recognised the native government as a stable government by making treaties with it. Sir Julius Vogel was then asked his opinion respecting the action of the Homo Government concerning New Guinea, and he replied that the Australasian Governments b2ing willing to guarantee the cost of annexation, there was no reason why the British Government should have hesitated.

Public Address in Auckland. Reporter: Is it true that you purpose addressing a public meeting in Auckland before you return to the South ? Sir Julius : Some percons have suggested that I should do so. If there is a general desire of that kind, and I am well enough, I will probably address a public meeting.

North Island Railway. The matter of the North Island trunk line of railway was then touched on, Sir Julias remarking that the Government .hoped .to bo in a position to call for tendon

for the first contracts next month. The work would proceed from three points, i.e., Te Awiunutiu; MaftonVahd/Bonid-inter-mediate point. The remark being made that the reporter believed that a belter feelinj' respecting the Government now existed in Auckland, Mr Julius said somewhat dryly that it was curious that the Auckland people had ever distrusted the -Government wno had done what others had only pi*omised to do — made a start with the railway.

Now Zealand Credit in London. The matter of the finances of the colony having beon introduced, Sir Julius Vogol mentioned a fact which is perfectly new, and is anotherevidence of the reputation enjoyed by the colony in the London money market. A largo quantity of scrip— about half amillion pounds worth — remained in the banks under the pledge that it would not bo placed until after the floating of the third million loan. Noarly all of this has boon successfully placed during the past fow days, viz., sinco the floating of tho loan. After some romarks by Sir Julius on tho satisfactory floating of tho loan, a very interesting half-hour's chat with tho Colonial Treasurer was brought to a close.