The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1888. SIR J. VOGEL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1702, 23 February 1888, Page 2

The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1888. SIR J. VOGEL.

It is reported that Mr Julius Vogel intends to visit England immediately, and that he will be six months absent from the colony. It is also added that he will not address his constituents before he leaves, nor resign his seat. We can hardly believe this. If Sir Julius Vogel has any intention of taking part in the future politics of this colony he will hardly adopt this very extraordinary course, as it would, in our opinion, be suicidal to his chance of ever again reinstating himself in public confidence. He has been elected by Christchurch North; it is his duty to represent it in Parliament, but if he leaves the colony now, and absents himself during next session, he will have become guilty of a dereliction of duty which ought not to be, and in all probability will not be, condoned. We are promised that the next session of the Parliament will take place in April next, and if Sir Julius Vogel is then absent from the colony his constituency will be disfranchised. The next session is expected to prove one of great importance, for above all the question of Protection v. Freetrade will be discussed. For Sir Julius Vogel to desert his post at such a time would, in our opinion, be a most unpardonable offence, and we certainly hesitate to believe that he will be guilty of such conduct. If Sir Julius Vogel desires to visit England before the next meeting of Parliament there is only one course open to him, and that is to resign his seat. By doing this he will do the proper thing, and he will thus make a vacancy for Sir Robert Stout to re-enter Parliament. If Sir Julius Vogel came down to Christchurch now and said; “My presence in Parliament is Sir Harry Atkinson’s only chance of retaining power, and as I do not think it is good for the colony that he should continue to muddle its a£afairs, I have therefore decided on resigning, and 1 should like Sir Robert Stout to take my place,” he would do what would raise him greatly in public estimation. He has now an opportunity of reinstating himself in public confidence. He could make it appear that he is willing to sacrifice himself from patriotic motives, and if he does not embrace the opportunity he will one day awaken to his mistake. At any rate, to leave the colony and absent himself from his duties at the present time is one of the worst things he could do, and though Christchurch North valued him more than it does at present it is not likely to overlook such a desertion.