SIR JULIUS VOGEL ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7016, 13 May 1884, Page 5

SIR JULIUS VOGEL ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

[>r TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] GiSBOitNE, Monday. A GREAT public meeting is beinc; held tonight to oonsidor the question of Sir Julius Vogel'e candidature. Sir Julius sends a long and moat interesting letter on the condition of the colony, -which is to be read tonight. In it he goes minutely into the present depression and . its causes. Hβ asserts that the main cause ie the uncertainty and disquietude caused to property owners duriug the laet few years by the various taxes and proposals for taxes, eo that confidence in the value of property has much decreased. Be explains that at considerable length, and as a remedy would abolish the property tax, believing 'that some other taxation is devisable which shall not have such a disastrous and indireot effect. Among other subjects, he asserts his belief that in the matter of Education an equally good artiole could be got at much less cost. In telegraphed replies to equiriea re native matters Sir Jnlius says :— I havo not closely followed the native land policy alterations. Before leaving, I favoured a Bill by which the Government were to act as agents for the sale of native lands, charging a commission. How far this is practicable now I can't say. Ido not think in good faith the Government can assume the old pre-emptive right. lam strongly of opinion that the natives obould be treated honourably and justly ; at the same time it may fairly be questioned whether thoy should not, in some shape, contribute to the cost of the railway, which, passing through their land, will make it of threat value. The question is involved in considerable difficulty. lam profoundly anxious to see the Northlsland settled, as it is capable of supporting an immense population. The whole colony is interested in promoting such settlement." At a meeting of the principal residents, held this morning, the feeling was that nil candidates should give way for Sir Julius Vogel. Messrs. Lock and Gannon were present, and expressed their willingness to stand out if Mr. Keen was also aßreeabla. Mr. Kees left for Auckland yesterday, and is being telegraphed to.