SIR JULIUS VOGEL, AT CHRIST. CHURCH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1412, 31 October 1885, Page 2

SIR JULIUS VOGEL, AT CHRIST. CHURCH.

Sir Julius Vogel addressed his constituents at the Theatre Royal, Christchurch, on Thursday night. There was a Urge attendance and the Mayor pre* sided. Sir Julius, who was warmly receiyed, renewed the work of the last session, claiming that the Government hud accomplished perhaps as much as they had a right to expect, and that their success was magnified by the frank and open I methed they had pursued. With regard to the propoaal to amend the Coa'oma tariff; he did not like the word " protection, " but was in favor of the term " liv« and let live." Parsons who were not content with colonial manufactures ought not to grudge paying for their fagtidioHßlies;). The beneficial effect of increased duties was proved by the fact that in 1884 the duties received on wearing apparel, jam, hops, beer, woollen goods, saddlery, candles, and furniture was less, notwithstanding the increased population nnd the increased duties, hy £200!) than in 1878. He believed that the West Coast Railway was so desirable that the colony fehonld make it. It would do good to the whole co'ony, and be a bond of union between the North and South Islands. Though it was ensafe to borrow for indiscriminate purposes, it was absolutely necessary to do so for railway extension. He believed in the motto that V God helps those who help themselves!," and if he had not done what he expected since his return to the colony, it was because—by the refusal of Parliament to commence the West Coast Rail-vay and the virtual Huspension of the Otago Central and the North Island Tnink line—the.instruments to give i-ffect to his expectations had been denied him. He churned that the financial policy of the Government hud resulted in a large saving to the colony. By the new San Francisco mail service tho colon* would save several thousands yearly. The Government intended to introduce by way of experiment for three months, a Bystetn of sixpenny telegrams. " Delayed" telegrams instead of being sent only at night would be sent during the Hoy, be put in private letter boxes, and delivered by letter carriers. For the benefit of public works contractors, payment* under the Public Works Appropriation Act would be made without imprest, and without reference to Wellington, so that the difficulties hitherto experienced by them in getting their monay would cense, and their employes would have the benefit of more prompt payment. Tho present depression was mainly due to the fact that for the last fifteen years the Htipply of gold had greatly diminished, and consequently its purchasing power had increased. This was severely felt in New Zealand, where so many people had to work for the benefit of absentee capitalists. The colony benefited from it, though, on account of the low rate of interest at which it could get its loans, and also from the great** cheapness of those commodities, such as steel and iron rails, required for ca>rymg on public works. The produce--, however, suffered on account of the low prices obtained for wool and grain. There were signs that gram would rise again soon. Wool should be sent away rather in a manufactured than in a raw state, and all in the colony should wear as f*r as possible nothing but locally made good*. If New Zealand wan to be prosperous it must be a manufacturing as well as an agricultural and gnsing coloov. He concluded by urging all to be firm and energetic in meeting the present depression, which would then puns away as completely as that of 1869 had done. Sir Julius wan frequently applauded during the evening, and at its close tho applause was long and loud. Some questions were asked, but were not of great importance. A voto of thanks and confiience was carried unanimously, and three cheers were given for Sir Julias Vogel.