MR. VOGEL AT DUNEDIN.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 749, 13 December 1870, Page 2

MR. VOGEL AT DUNEDIN.

Mr Vogel. met the citizens in the Princess Theatre on Thursday evening. After considerable confusion, caused by Mr Grant wishing to address the meeting, Mr Fish took the chair. Grant again ondeavored to address the meeting, asking by whom it had been called. The uproar was immense. Grant was eventually forced off the stage by a constable. This increased the uproar, the audience vociferously calling for Grant. In ten minutes he returned, and was received with tremendous cheering, but the audience being now satisfied, would not let him speak. After some minutes he was again forced off the stage by Mr Vogel's supporters, and the uproar recommenced. At length: having returned for a short time, Grant left, and Mr Vogel, who was received with cheers and groans, ad dressed the meeting amid frequent cheering—forty minutes having been lost.

Mr Vogel said the General Government, as soon as they learned the resolution passed by the Provincial Council regarding the Public Works Act, resolved that one of their number should visit Ofcago to dispel the misunderstanding that had arisen. He had also come to see the Superia'endenfc regarding important public business. The General Government, on learning that the Provincial Council wished the question of constructing the Southern Branch Railway referred to the constituencies at once, agreed to grant so reasonable a request. lie next referred to the charges made by the " Otago Daily Times," regarding the alleged violation of secrecy by the Telegraph Department. Such charges were preposterous, and he gave them an unqualified denial. The explanation of the matter was that the purser of the Gothenburg called at the " Argus " office, saw Mr George, with whome he was personally acquainted, obtained the information, and furnished it to the operator at the Bluff. An interruption was here caused by Mr Barnes, who said Mr Vogel was talkiug against time. After it subsided Mr Vogel went on to refer to the Public Works Act. This Act the Government originally wished to refer to the constituencies ; but from one end of the country to the other a cry arose for no delay, and was reechoed in the House, which decided to go on with it at once. He was in a position to say that news had been received from home of a most satisfactory character, which left no doubt in the minds of the Government that they would be able to carry out their measures. The London " Times " had said that nothing could be more satisfactory. The hopes expressed by the Opposition, that on account of the European war the Government would not be able to get the money, were without foundation, as they had received information stating they would be able to get the money without difficulty, and to construct the railways under guarantees. He had come to confer with the Superintendent regarding the contract for the construction of the Southern Trunk Eailway; but, as the Provincial Council had desired that the whole mntter be referred to the constituencies, the Superintendent had placed his resignation in his hands that day, and there would bo an immediate dissolution of the Council. The time was approaching when all the Provinces in each island would be under separate Governments—one for each island—with a central Government at Wellington. Years ago, he had proposed this in the Otago Provincial Council; but all such theories must for the present be laid aside for tho consideration of the hard practical necessities of the Colony. The fears expressed that the North Island would benefit at the expense of the Middle Island were un. founded. Tho fact was, the Government proposed only one railway in tho North Island, while they proposod

several in the Middle Island, and this had beet: made cause of complaint by the "Wellington and Hawke's Bay members. If Otago was unwilling to take advantage of the scheme, the Assembly would by no means force it to do so ; but he was amazed that Otago, which of all the Provinces was best fitted to benefit from the scheme, should oppose it. The only explanation he could give for such action, was that the Government policy was not understood. He regretted that by their own conduct they had not left him time to dwell on the California"!! Mail Service, which he believed to be of the utmost interest to the Province to encourage, and also that they had forced him to be so brief and disjointed in his remarks. He entertained no ill-feeling towards them, but if it were possible, he would shake hands with them all. If possible, he would seek another opportunity of addressing them before leaving Otago. He resumed his seat among cheers and hisses, and the meeting immediately broke up in confusion. The proceedings were a great failure.