SIR JULIUS VOGEL'S ADDRESS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 1943, 19 March 1885, Page 2

SIR JULIUS VOGEL'S ADDRESS.

(Abridged.) [United Piiess Association.] Chmstchcrch, Maroh 18, Sir Julius Yogel, M.H.R. for Christchurch North addressed his constituents in the Queon's Theatre this evening. There were fully 3500 persons present, including a large number of ladies, for whom the gallery had been specially reserved. His Worship the Mayor (C. P, Hulbert, Esq.) occupied the chair, and was supported on the platform by several M.H.R. 'sand numerous influential gentlemen.

The Chairman introduced the hon. gentleman, referring to the position he qccupjcd as their representative, and ■claiining for fiinj, on account of the peculiar under which he spoke, a patient Hearing." :v Sir Julius VogeJ, who, pn rising, was greeted with hearty and p'rglbjigeoj applause, said; Ladies and gentlemen, before discussing political matter*, allow me to discharge a debt I owe you for my return as your representative, in my absence, through physical incapacity, to meet and address you, To be elected as your representative, after an absence of bo many years from the colony, was one of the greatest triumphs of my career. When an electoral contest is over it is the djity flf the representative to representee .whole constituency, and I feel that such is now' the caje with me. THE jCIVtt SE]jyi,Cjß, Oonsideration has been given to the question of reforms, in the Gjyjl 'Service, and will be proceeded with jn due'cojjrse. The Premier has felt it his duiytfl ffiajfe himself thoroughly acquainted with all the features of the question, and is visiting the various portions of tlio colony with that object, EDUCATION. The Minister for Education (MrTole) has found a large amount of work to do in his department, and has further decided to establish a technioa) education, bo that our boys will be taught that there js something beyond mere | literary attain, ments to be sought after in education, SHEEP AND LIVE STOCK. The Colonial Secretary has dealt with the arrangements relating to sheep and live stock, which he found in a terrible state of inefficiency. j

CHARITABLE AID. : ' The Colonial Seoretary has' also found it necessary to take in hand the subject fif charitable aid. I am aware that he

has come in for a large share of ridicule for his action in this matter, but there was no more urgent subject in all that could comounder his jurisdiction.' RAILWAY REFORM. The Minister for Public 'Works (Mr Richardson). has undertaken a- most arduous work in his endeavor to effect reformsin the department under his control,'especially the management of our railways. One notable example in the success of his endeavors is seen in the popularity of the excursion trains, the running of which are due to him. These trains are a double benefit, and the, colony is not only increasing the receipts of the lines, but enabling the people to see moro of the country in which they dwell. • RAILWAY LOCOMOTIVES. Tenders have been called for and accepted for the .manufacture of locomotives in the colony—one of the most important and beneficial 'steps for the whole of New Zealand that has ever been taken, and I have to congratulate you upon the fact that Christchurch, through Messrs Scott .Bros., has been able to wrest this prize from '.the hands of the rest of the colony, May this bo the first step towards the firm becoming one of those mighty manufacturing establishments which we know exist in other countries. NATIVE AFFAIRS. ' Mr Ballance,- in his dealings with Native affairs, has attained a status with the nativeswhieh no other minister ever 'did. From one end to the other they give him their confidence. Thus the North Trunk Railway w being constructed with the full assent of the natives. I have no wish to reflect on' t his predecessor as lie had a position of much difficulty to deal with, and an unpleasant and delicate duty to perform. He had to show the natives that the Europeans were strong enough to be their masters. His style was a harsh one; he had an iron hand, and made no effort to conceal it under a velvet glove. Mr Ballance haß both, and he has shown the natives that we do not wish to rule harshly, but to do justice to both races. Mr Ballance is an enthusiast on the question of settling people on the land of the colony, Special settlements have been eagerly embraced in the North Island, and he hopes to see similar settlements here, The terms upon which these are open are exceedingly liberal,.and he hopes to shortly open up village settlements in Canterbury, in tho neighbourhood of Ohristohuroh and other parts,

THE MINISTER OF MINES, Mr Lamaoh has resolved to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the wants of the department placed under his oharge, The mining industry must ever be an important factor in the interests of the Colony, and must receive proper attention. We believe that the course we have adopted of placing this department under the charge of a separate Minister is one which will commend itself to. and meet the approval of the House,

DISTRICT RAILWAYS, In conjunction with my colleague, Mr Richardson, I have opened up negotiations with various district railway companies as to terms of purchase, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, Changes are required in the matter of local government and the question is now in the hands of myself and Mr Stout. The bringing of the districts into homogenous relations has been entrusted to my colleague, while I am dealing with the financial aspect and responsibilities of the case. RAILWAY BOARDS. , The railways must be managed by nonpolitical boards as soon as the necessary measures can be prepared, NATIVE LANDS. My policy regarding the sale of Native lands is well known. I wish'to see the land brought into early use and settlement, ijnd not locked up in the hands of speculators. I desire to see them handed over for bona fide settlement, but due regard must be paid to the Native race. There are past obligations which have to be dealt with. The subject is one beset with difficulties, but it will be dealt with next session. PARCEL TOST. It is in contemplation to inaugurate a system of postal'rates and parcel post. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. In future railway construction a definite plan will have to be observed. It must first be decided which are trunk linejj to be made by the Colony, and which aro district 1 ines of special interest and benefit to ihe pepple of a district, and to be constructed at their cost. REFORM OF THE UPPER HQUSE. Tlie Upper House neeijsto preformed to a pertain extenji, but;' I do not propose to take any senptjonal measure for that object. The Upper' House itself should provide the means for its own reform. The appoinfinients to the old Chamber should be a Jess perminont character, and instead of being fpr life should last for a number of years only. I have at times felt hurt when measures upon which I have Bpant much tune and thought have been defeated by the Upper House, and I have come into conflict with it; but on the whole, it has shown itself disposed to bo a benefit to the Colony, and I have no doubt, will look at the proposal sensibly, and be prepared to deal with it. in a dignified manner, At any rate, no appointment made after the House meets should be for other than a term of years, CONCLUSION. ' In conclusion, ho hoped that his hearers, if they did not agree with all he said would give him credit for wishing to be of service to the Colony. Though he was not proclaiming upon platforms high flown sentiments of a desire for the welfare of the people, he recognised the fact thai the masses were a real sourco of their prosperity depended the prbsjeritfoj tlie' polony. The Government did not wanfthe''Oolftjiy to, show only that false splendour resulted from a pisplay of wealth by a few rich people, They wanted to see wealth distributed in a large number of hands, and to see thousands of prosperous and happy homes, He hoped people would not think he was indifferent to this important matter, because he thought that the prosperity of the masses would be brought about by practical measures rather than by theoretical propositions. He would rajier Bee a happy than a splendid'lan'i' Sir Jujius'yogel fas }oudly applauded both during arid at the termination oHiis remarks, ' '-' '"