RECEPTION OF SIR JULIUS YOGEL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume X, Issue 2729, 14 March 1876, Page 2

RECEPTION OF SIR JULIUS YOGEL.

Last (Monday) night, after the Committee had made its final arrangements, a telegram was receivod from Sir Julius Yog-el stating that he would leave then, a fact which few heard of until tins morning. The Luna hauled alongside the Corporation wharf at about half-past ten, at an earlier hour than was expected, and consequently the number there to receive the Premier were fewer than would otherwise have I been the case. But the news spread like wild-fire, and much time did not elapse till a number of our leading- citizens went on board to receive him, and congratulate him on his improved health. He remained on board for about an hour discoursing with those present, when Mr James Alexander, the chairman of the Reception Committee, accompanied by the members thereof, escorted li'ini to the end of the Corporation Shed, where, afer a few appropriate and introductory words, be read the following address :—: — To Sib Julius Vogbl, K.C.M.G.

Sin, — We the electors and inhabitants generally, of Wanganui and surrounding districts desire to welcome you amongst us.

In recognition of your distinguished services to the Colony, this district has returned you by a large majority as one of its members in the General Assembly, and is gratified to have identified with it a gentleman who, by his own merit alone, has won a first place amongst the statesmen of the British Colonies.- Your return to the Colony in impro.ved health has created pleasure and satisfaction throughout its length and breadth, as your serious illness was heard of with deep regret and ajjprehension.

New Zealand lias watched your efforts to serve her while absent, and even those iv political opposition cannot but acknowledge the great and imperishable nature of the results you were enabled to achieve. The success with which you negotiated the Four Million Loan, upon terms most I favorable even at a critical period in the history of the Colony, as well as the untiring industry which you devoted to a great number of questions of the first importance to the Colony, is admitted upon all sides. There is no reason to express aught but faith in the future, but whatever changes may take place we recognise the patriotism of a statesman who has established so many claims to our esteem.

The district which you represent has special i>ea.son to thank you for the bold and decisive action which you took with regard to the question of the abolition of Provincialism. This is a subject on which Wanganui ,and the surrounding districts have long held decided opinions, and it has been generally felt that lbcal Government can never be brought home to the people until a system so centralizing in its tendencies as Provincialism is abolished, or that, the , natural, , impulses of New Zealand will ever move in harmony while jthere. exist so many bodies claiming Parliamentary privileges. ( (' . We believe that a broad and liberal system of local 'self -government is being matured', a'nd'ii gives us no inconsiderable pleasure 'to think -that your colleagues will 1 have your assistance and experience in framing this important measure. Weearnestly hope that your health may be completely restored, and that you may long continue, to direct the people 'of New Zealand in laying the ' foundations of a great and prosperous Colony. Sir Julius Yogel, in accepting- the address, said that he came J perfectly "unprepared to' receiveit, and-expressed the deep, gratification 1 he. felt at the way in which he had been received by the people 'of Wnng*anui. He would not' deny that he had exerted' himself for the benefit of the Colony during severe illness, and he was pleased that his - constituents recognised .this .fact. When he arrived at . Melbourne he was agreeably surprised to hoar that so important a constituency as : Wangauui had done him the honor of electing- him as one of its representatives, and for -which he-begged to thank them:-' His connection with Wanganui dated further back ' however, for; amongst the first of his official acts when a member of the Fox Government, was at that gentlemen's request, to carry a measure through the House, for providing* a, bridge for this town, and that at a period when, it was an article of faith, that no money should be spent in the North Island except for the purposes of war!

Pie hoped to address his constituents on, Thursday, when .-is he had already communicated to Mr Bryce, he would do so not only as their representative, but in his capacity as head of the Government, when he should take the opportunity of giving 1 a full exposition

of the views and policy/of the government. The other day whim he had been cnteitained in Wellington he had not had nnopportuuity of consulting with his colleagues so that liis remarks had reference more to the past, but on the present occasion he would fully explain the policy of the Government, and the manner in which they intended to carry out a local system "of Government to supersede Provincialism of which next Session would see the end. He would not on this occasion prolong 1 his remarks but again begged to thank them for their cordial reception of him.

Here the crowd who throughout were very enthusiastic gave three cheers for Sir Julius and Lady Yogel, the former bowing his acknowledgements. A carriage and four, provided by MiGordon, as an act of courtesy awaited outside the shed, which Sir Julius entered, accompanied by Mr James -Alexander, Mr Howe, and Mr Ballance, M.H.R., and was driven to Anderson's Hotel the crowd escorting him thither, not the least conspicuous element of which was the number of Maoris, gaily bedecked, who seemed to take great interest in the proceedings and indulged in an occasional cheer. The whole proceedings were creditable in the extreme, both to the recipient of the ovation and those instrumental in its accomplishment. Every person seemed to be inspired by a desire to welcome our guest, aud certainly everything connected with the proceedings showed,that if any political difference of opinion existed, it was most studiously repressed, but we incline to the belief that the personal popularity of our great statesman, and a strong element of sympathy animated the people. Sir Julius goes to Wuiroa and Wai totara this afternoon, to inspect the country. In consequence of the arrival of Sir Julius Yogel earlier than was anticipated his colleague,, Mr 1 Hrjce, was not present, being out of town.