A.—3

2

From this recital of facts it will bo seen that, on being asked I expressed, my preference for the Inscription Agency, on certain conditions. There was no understanding with me beyond what I have stated, and I am at a loss to see that any objection could be taken to my appointment to a position which my knowledge of the business to be dealt with rendered me, I venture to say, capable of filling satisfactorily. Not holding office in the Cabinet, there could be nothing improper in my communicating with the Government on the subject of my appointment. During the two years I have held my present office I have entirely abstained from any interference in New Zealand politics. It has appeared to me that this abstinence was a duty inseparable from the position I held as Agent-General. After such a period of inaction, the occasion seems to me to be suitable to explicitly declare that, when I resigned the Premiership, I felt I had not sufficient health and strength to discharge its onerous duties, whilst I was impressed with the conviction that I could occupy the position of A gent-Gen oral with advantage to New Zealand. I was not willing to bind myself to hold the appointment beyond a period of eighteen months; but I felt that, even if I ceased to be Agent-General, I could be of service to the colony. As the remarks which have been the occasion of this letter were uttered in Parliament, I have to ask you to be so kind as to cause it to be placed before the Legislature. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General.

By Authority : Geoeok Didsbuky, CrOYernment Printer, Wellington.—lB79.

Price 3d.]