Cromwell Argus, AND NORTHERN GOLD-FIELDS GAZETTE. Cromwell: Tuesday, February 15, 1876.

Cromwell Argus, Volume VII, Issue 327, 15 February 1876, Page 5

Cromwell Argus, AND NORTHERN GOLD-FIELDS GAZETTE. Cromwell: Tuesday, February 15, 1876.

The announcement that Sir Julius Vogel assumes the Premiership of New Zealand is ono which will be received with unmixed gratification by a large majority of colonists. Even those opposed to the policy of the present Government as regards the Provinces will hail the change with satisfaction,—not that Sir Julius being in office will strengthen their position, but for the reason that they will have confidence that any change in the form of government will be boldly announced and ably carried out. A great deal of the antipathy shown to the Abolition measures was due to no adequate provision being made to take the place of that form of government which it was proposed to demolish; and there can be little doubt that had the new Premier been in his place at Wellington, the people would have had laid before them a well-con-sidered scheme of local self-government, instead of the bare skeleton, outlined by his colleagues. There would then have been no doubtful expression of popular opinion as to the desirability of abolishing Provincialism. That this is so is evidenced by the very fair majority of Abolitionists elected, even under the adverse circumstances pointed at. But while a majority was elected favorable to Abolition, it is equally true that those so elected were not by any means satisfied with the personnel of the Ministry in office, and there would undoubtedly have been a change soon after the Assembly met. ,It was palpable that, however admirable were the measures brought forward, the Government was not composed of men who'had the ability to bring them to full fruition: hence many representatives, while favorable co the Abo-* lition policy, openly signified their intention of ousting the Ministers who brought forward that measure. Probably a knowledge of this feeling has influenced Sir Julius Vogel in accepting the chief position in the Cabinet, and determining on a reconstruction of. the Ministry. It is said Mr Reynolds will retire, and his portfolio be offered to Mr WhitakEr or Mr Moorhouse, both men of ability and experience in New Zealand politics. Possibly-other changes may occur, — ■certainly a few can be made with advantage to the country, and the Premier' is' too astute a statesman to band himself with other than men whose presence is a source of strength. The arrival, of Sir Julius Vogel, and his taking over the reins of Government at this critical juncture in our affairs, is matter for congratulation, and will no doubt tend to increased confidence in the continued prosperity of the Colony. That he is hopeful of the future of New Zealand, and confident of the Tesults of the policy initiated by himself a few years ago, is evident from the tenor of his address to the enthusiastic multitude who greeted his arrival at Wellington, w,hen he said :—." The results not only of my own observation but of the observation of others much more competent to judge, convince me that New Zealand possesses in an eminent •degree, and to an exceptional extent, natural advantages for supporting and rendering happy a large population. . . . . Years

since, men laughed when I predicted the position amongst Her Majesty's possessions to which these islands would in time attain. Now, I believe the idea is becoming general that New Zealand will soon be second to none of the Colonies of the Empire. The eyes, indeed, of many countries are on you, and it rests with the, people of New Zealand to tread the luminous path to the proud destiny in store for them. My own humble efforts will, I hope, be merged in the glories of the Colony, with which they are identified." ' ' y