The Oamaru Mail MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1880.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 18 October 1880, Page 2

The Oamaru Mail MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1880.

The resignation of -Sir Julius Yogel as A'jexit-Oi-neral is not a ina' : <-r for surprise. Fiji- a I.i; time it has b_-n known that he was li -.'.'.od at ho iu which he w;k ., bound down 'y the j-resent Minister 'ration, »ud the correspondence iliac his passed of late between Sir ' Julius Toi|el and Sir. Kolleston has disclosed the fact that the hatchet has not been buried by the two old political opponents. The former master mind of the Colony could not brook the systematic snubs of the puny politician who is now the political head of the immigration department; and no one who has watched the course of event? could have anticipated any other result that Sir j Julius would throw off the chains that have bound him and seek some sphere in which full scope could be givep to the untrammelled exercise of his great talents. Whilst, however, his resignation of the post of Ageut-General was fully anticipated, few expected to learn that he would return to fcfre Colony and once more enter upon the study and practice of Colonial politics. The announcement that be contemplates doing so is therefore a surprise—a surprise, too, of a gratifying nature. We have on several occasions expressed the opinion that Parliament is sadly in need of a master mind, and as everyone knows Sir Julius Vogel is of all men best fitted to lead the House of Representatives. No matter what line he may adopt, wa may rest assured that he will speedily effect that most deairabje end, the defining and consolidating of political parties. He can scarcely be expected to give in hi? allegiance to the present dominant party, for the Ministry contains many elements that will prove distasteful to bim. It is more than likely, should Sir Julius Yogel carry out his announced determination of again entering the political arena of New Zealand, that he will bring into existence a new and powerful party, formed of those members who at present only suppprt the Hall Ministry because they will not co-operate with Sir George Grey, and of the more moderate members of the Liberal party. The late session abundantly proved that such a party misjht readily be formed, if a suitable leader could be obtained, .Sir Julius Yocel would have little difficulty in obtaining a majority in the House, He would have no difficulty at all were he to enunciate a broad and statesmanlike policy—something in strong contrast to the puny, pettifogging efforts of our present rulers. While, therefore, we learn with regret that Sir Julius Yogel has resigned the Agent-Generalship, we are pleased to hear that the Colony is likely ere long to have the benefit of his great talents in the immediate direction of its affairs. We say this with the full remembrance that we have not been able to agrree with him on many points of his former policy in the Colony, and that we have been compelled to raise our strong protest against the doings of many of his political hacks. We are, however, we hope, not entirely blinded by party considerations, and can recognise and applaud statesmanlike ability, no matter on which side it may be displayed. Sir J. Yogel while in New Zealand did, perhaps, more than any other man to promote the welfare of the Colony and the happiness of its people. It is unnecessary to enumerate ; the many schemes he initiated—the many reforms he effected. They form prominent points in the history of the Colony. That he made many mistakes no one can deny, but those were in some part the outcome of want of firmness in resisting outside pressure a too close alliance with the grasping, self-seeking party, and a want of attention to details. As AgentGeneral he has done much for the Colony, and we doubt if ever a British Colony was better represented in the Mother Country. Of one thing we are certain The Colony will have considerable difficulty in filling up the gap, for there are few men who could have worked harder or more diligently to promote the welfare j of New Zealand.