MR. VOGEL'S RECEPTION AT DUNEDIN.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 4164, 17 December 1870, Page 3

MR. VOGEL'S RECEPTION AT DUNEDIN.

The Hon. Julius Vogel, Colonial Treasurer, arrived at Port Chalmers, by the ' Taranaki,' from the North, on December 5. On the vessel nearing her moorings a salute of seven guns was fired by the Naval Brigade. Shortly afterwards the Mayor of Port Chalmers (Mr. McDermid, M.P.C.), the Speaker of the Provincial Council, accompanied byseveral members, went on board the ' Taranaki,' and were accompanied on shore by Mr. Vogel. On the approach of the steamer to the jetty the cadet corps were marched up and formed in two lines. Mr. Vogel addressed a few words to them, expressing his satisfaction at witnessing so many youths in the corps. He said the Government viewed with great interest the progress of the volunteer movement in Otago, and especially in the enrolment of cadets. The future welfare of the country, its government, and possibly its defence depended upon the youth, and he was glad to see the Volunteer movement take such a firm hold in a province with which he fi had been so long and So intimately connected. He had watched their movements from the deck of the steamer as she neared the jetty, and congratulated them on their quickness and precision. . The party then proceeded to the Provincial Hotel, where the Treasurer wa3 met by several members of the Provincial Council and merchants of Dunedin. There was but little time for refreshment, as the steamer for Dunedin was about to leave, so the Mayor of Port Chalmers, after a few words of welcome, proposed Mr. Vogel'a health. In replying, that gentleman thanked those present for the kiud reception given to him, which was the more welcome to him after his absence. Immediately on the arrival of ihe vessel, the Naval Brigade had received him with a salute, and equally gratifying was the welcome he had received from so many old friends whom he had known for many years in Otago. He was happy to think that to Port Chalmers, which he had so often visited, and in which he felt so great interest, he had been able to confer some benefit. As many present were aware, he had had some small share in procuring* the construction of the Graving Dock, and now he felt glad as it was the precursor of what might prove the future prosperity of the port. He was glad to say that early in March they would have the pioneer vessel of the United States, Australian, New Zealand, and European Mail Service, and it remained simply for the Assembly to arrange for its continuance for three years, or ten years— which he had no doubt would be done. He had anticipated that the news of that service would have been received with unmixed satisfaction; but, when he looked in the newspapers for & reflex of public opinion, he was disappointed by seeing an expression of disapprobation. {" It is only the Daily Times," from several present.) That, however, was nothing to the point ; for the {service marked out for New Zealand a great future. It would fliake the colony tlie tighwa,^ to the E»at. ;jj c fl^ not, therefore, speak simply of Q*, ago The contractors were very wealthy, an d were disposed to carry out tt>/ c contract with spirit. It was now in tae hands of the proyince to make Pork Chalmers a large and important place. The contractors said that, if there ware proper convenience for repairs and other necessary works, they should prefer to have them done in Otago, on account of labour being cheaper than m San Francisco. He concluded by proposing •'Prosperity to Port Chalmers, and the health of the Mayor."— The Mayor returned thanks, and the party came up to Dunedin by the ' Golden Age.'