INTERVIEW WITH SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1457, 21 January 1886, Page 1

INTERVIEW WITH SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

Sir Julius Vogel has been interviewed at Waiwera by a reporter. Sir Jul>'us baa been greatly benefited by * course of baths, and is much improved in health. It is his intention to prolong his stay for a month longer. The points alluded to in the interview will be found subjoined in the categorical form of questions and answers.

Do the Government intend to take any action with regard to Samoa, in view of recent steps by the Germans in that island!—As te the Imperial action in the matter, I am not able to give any information beyond thut which has been made public,"but so much romance has been made with facts and the present position, iiud is so ill-understood, that a brief recital-may be useful. As regard* late news, the action of the Government is easily described. McArthur and Co., were kind enough on the arrival of the Mariposa, to telegraph to me intelligence from Samoa. A cablegram was immediately sent to the Agent-General asking him to sen the Government at once with a view to prevent German annexation. In two or three days he cabled out that L»rd Salisbury bad promptly telek'raphsd' to Berlin and received an assurance that annexation was not contemplated. As to the action of the Governor and the Admiral and the communication between them and the Home Government I cannot give you information, but as to tha general position I will add a few words. < Last year our Government were anxious to send down the Hinemoa to investigate the position at Samoa and to judge if it was worth while to undertake responsibilities in connection therewith. Lord Derby fearing complications with Germany asked us not to send and we complied with his wish. The English Government obtained renewed assurances from Germany against annexation, and a bint that if the interests of the German subjects were brought out, Germany would cease to feel much concern in the Samoan group, the islands being beyond the region they specially desired to colonise. A Committee of the House of Representatives gave a very qualified support to a suggestion to purchatte, and matters have since remained m status quo. It is, however, impossible to fail to see that whilst the Germans have been true to the letter of annexing, they have pursued a policy which may lead to the desposition of the King, and the substitution of one in bis place devoted to German interests. They see-n to have acted on the principle that whilst the interests of German settlers are the largest, Germany must in one way or another maintain control over the native government. The subjugating of the King, though not annexing in the letter, is very much tne same thing in spirit. May I ask if there are any grounds for the rumor current as to a possible dissolution of Parliament, and of a divergence of views between the Premier and ihc Defence Minister and yourself as to the amount and manner of raising the projected loan ?-~The rumors are duo to a

statement credited to Mr Ballance in the telegraphed summary of his speech that in his opinion such a dissolution is desirable. The Government hare not as yet decided whether to tender advice to the Governor. It rriay be considered that ho decision one way or the other has been come to, nor is it likely to be arrived at for never.il weeks. I have reason to believe that the opinion of the Premier and myself upon the subject of a new loan are identical, and I have no reason to conclude that the Defence Minister holds different views. As to the manner of raising the loan, there is no ground for anticipating that it will be raised differently from other loans—in portions as required. As to the amount and other details, nothing has been settled. I tbink I may say the following broad principles have the approval of the Cabinet and the deduction from them is obvious: —(a) That a railway when once commenced should, for economy's sake, be promptly constructed; (b) that it is most undesirable there should be doubt nnd uncertainty from year to year as to the works to be proceeded with ; (c) that a time of depression, when material is cheap, is a desirable period for proceeding with railways; (d) That the railways should be fixed, and that the amounts authorised to be borrowed for them should not be alienable for other purposes; (<) Miat the proportion of borrowed 'money used for purposes other than railways and directly reproductive works should be much less than has hitherto been the caie.

With reference to the announcement recently made that the Government contemplated purchasing landed estates with a view to subdivision and re-sale/jhas any scheme been formulated to carry out these objects I— This subject has often been •iiscussed, and, as a portion of it dealing with small coltuge holdiugs, the Government made certain proposals last session. I don't think, however, that it can be said any scheme of dealing comprehensively with the subject has been formulated excepting in the Bill introduced !>y Sir George Grey last session. Tha question is receiving careful consideration.

Is there any intention on the part of the Government to resume assisted immigration in any form ?—A portion of the passage money of farmers with their families, who give proof that they &r» bringing out capital with tbem, is beiog paid. The principle is being tried to a limited extent. lam not aware that the Government propose any other form of assisted immigration. Is there any likelihood of the progress of the North Island Trunk Railway being .arrested owing to the threatened determination of the Government to appropriate the North Island Trunk Railway Loan of one million temporarily for general put. poses ?—Nothing that has been proposed in connection with the North Island Trunk Loan can delay the progress of the railway. The resolution carried by Captain Russell is a lamentable cause of delay in th« progress of the work. As regards the loan itself, I am making such temporary arrangements as will enable Parliament, when it meets, to substitute another loan for other purposes, to declare by legislation that the North Island Trunk Loan shall be devoted only to its intended objects.

Is there any intention of the Government to introduce legislation in the direction of modified protection i The Customs revenue is falling off owing to Ciiuseß not unsatisfactory, such as reduced consumption of alcoholic drinks and the less yield of ad valorem duties consequent upon reduced prices. In selecting items to maintain-the revenue, the Government think they should not be unmindful of the interests of local produce. The Government do not desire to introduce a distinctly protective policy. The tariff is already framed en lines intended to give local producers encouragement, and there is no reason for disturbing this policy, which has long prevailed. In reply to other questions Sir Julius Vogel stated that there was every prospect of a practical scheme being submitted during next sessiou for the construction of the Jiast and West Coast Railway; that he considered the appointment of Mr Henry Driver to the control of the Government Life Insurance business in Ot.igo and Southland, a good one; that full authority had been obtained for the construction of the Rotorua Railway and it will be completed as quickly as possible.