32

B.—4a,

The question is now, therefore, narrowed to my personal claim to a commission on the £5,000,000 loan. I think, when all the circumstances are considered, that claim is undeniable. I may point, first, to the agreement made by me with the Bank of England in 1875. Admittedly, but for that agreement we should not have had the support, which proved so valuable, of the bank. Then come my personal exertions which led to the passage of the Imperial Act, which enabled effect to be given to that agreement. Then, on the eve of the negotiation of the loan, come the communications which virtually only made me, the holder of the Agent-Generalship until my successor was appointed. There was my suggestion for a change of position, and the reply of the Government thereto. There were the special responsibilities thrown on me, to which I have alluded ; and there was the commission paid to the other agents under almost similar conditions. If it be the pleasure of the Government that I, the author of the measure which will be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to the colony, should alone be unremunerated, I must bow to the decision, though I shall always feel that I have been very badly treated. In any case, I trust the pleasure of Parliament on the subject will be taken. I should be sorry if anything in this correspondence, in which I have referred to my services, should be supposed to indicate that I undervalue the services of my colleagues. Under most trying circumstances, the Crown Agents gave all the weight of their exceedingly-influential position to the Government. As to Sir Penrose Julyan, it is probably needless for me to say that he is regarded as an authority in all matters relating to colonial loans, and that he combines with large experience great judgment in dealing with such matters. That part of your letter of the 27th February which refers to the remuneration of the Consolidated Loan Agents, I have referred to them, and they will answer it collectively. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Premier. Agent-General.

(Enclosures.) (From Wellington, 20/9/79.) Vogel, London. Government considered letter June seventeen. Still holds former opinion. Now requests you resign office director, Agricultural Company, at once. Eeply yes or no by telegram. Government cannot allow Agent-General take any part in politics at Home, or in private business. Gbey.

(Eeceived 9/10/79.) Peemiee, New Zealand. Some members Government knew I was assisting organize company, and I find shareholders would not think it fair me to resign for some time to come. Vogel. London, 8.

(Prom Wellington, 3/11/79.) Vogel, London. Wire names late Government knew assisting organize company. Because statement respecting this knowledge, reasonable time be allowed you arrange retire. Present Government agree inexpedient you remain director, or engage Home politics. Hall.

(Eeceived 7/11/79.) Peemiee, New Zealand. Stout certainly, and best my belief Macandrew and Ballance. Cannot name time resign. Shareholders would think unfair entertain such intention now. Am willing take Loan Agency, payment by percentage, and act Agent-General without salary long as suits Government. Eeply. Vogel. London, 6.

(Telegram dated 10/11/79.—Keceived 11/11/79.) To Vogel, London. Agency-General incompatible other business. Government considering expediency relieving therefrom, appointing you Agent Inscribed Stock, at centage. Beport fully by post arrangements you would propose : sketch scheme, estimate annual conversion. We should sociate two agents with you. Anxiously waiting news loan.

Hall. (Sent 20th February, 1880.) Vogel to Pbemiee, New Zealand. At my cost, cable decision concerning my letters November eighteen, December sixteen. Vogel.