SIR JULIUS VOGEL'S OPINION ON THE DISSOLUTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1866, 21 June 1884, Page 2

SIR JULIUS VOGEL'S OPINION ON THE DISSOLUTION.

The following letter from Sir Julius Vogelon the constitutional question at present afflicting the mind of the House appears in the Evening Post last- night ;— •' 1 have been asked by so many friends my opinion on the proposed dissolution, that I seek through your columns the opportunity of writing a few words on the subject. The Queen's representatives are usually very reluctant to grant to defeated colonial Governments the dissolutions for which they almost invariably ask. Each case is generally dealt with according to constitutional precedent. In the present instance I am unable to sec grounds which, according to precedent, would account for the dissolution. There is no force whatever in the allegation that the Opposition itself desired dissolution, since the constitutional mode of obtaining the opinion the of Opposition is to ask one or more of its leaders in ■uccession to form a Government. On their failing to do so, then it is usual to fall back on the Government in office. The present Government have no claim to a dissolution, as you clearly proved in your issue of Thursday las>t. There 'is nothing in the position of the Opposition to confer on the Government more than its ordinary rights. The Opposition is generally divided in several sections. Now there seems to be only two divisions. The sending them to the Country is not nearly so likely to heal their differences as the casting upon them the responsibilities of the action they have taken ; besides, nothing could be more mischievous than that the Queen's prerogative should be exercised irregularly because of some fancied good to arise from the procedure. Least of all in a departure from constitutional practice does the end justify the means. These are obvious considerations, and so unusual is it that there should not be some recorded correspondence on the subject that it seemed improbable His Excellency can have more than conveyed this impression to Major Atkinson :— • You tell me the House wishes a disolntion, and that you can obtain supplies ; if you prove this to me, I will graufc ifc ; bat please to let the Opposition understand that my failing to summon them in the usual manner is an affront, bnt is due to your representations.

The Rev,. G. Tones will preach jn the Cambridge Baptist Tabernjujc to-mortow (morning and evening.) On the 29th the pastor (Rev. G C. Wilson of Southland) will preach, and on the following Tuesday (July Ist) a soiree: aqn recognition meeting will "be held. The Rev. John Dukes will preach in Trinity Wesleyan Church; Haibiltoh, 1 to-morrow, (morninff and evening.) Subjects :— Morning .—".The Old Adversary," and .in the , evening , "; The Universal* Adopt'atibn of the Gospel." Firewood (in lots to suit purchasers) will be offered for sale in Victoria-street, Hamilton, *»"