On Friday evening, (3rd July), Mr J. Vogel, M.H.R. and Provincial Treasurer, addressed a public meeting in the Volunteers' Hall, Milton (Tokomairiro), in consequence of a requisition from the electors, asking that he would state to them his "views on the various questions likely to occupy the attention of the approaching General Assembly, and, in particular, those which affect existing Provincial Institutions." The requisitionists added, "We are aware that it is not usual to make such a request; but the present critical state of the country having already—in a neighboring district—called forth an expression of opinion from one who is not their Representative, we venture to hope that you will likewise favor us with an explanation of your views." The Hall was nearly filled, there being about 180 persons present, amongst them being—J. Elder Brown, Esq., the Mayor; Messrs Clark, Muir, and Murray, the representatives of the district, in the Provincial Council; Messrs Forsyth, W. A. Murray, Marry at t, &c.

Mr Brown was called to the chair; and he briefly commenced the proceedings.

Mr Vogel, who was very warmly applauded, acknowledged the compliment paid to him by the requisition he had received. If, as seemed to be implied by the form of the requisition, it was desired that he should not address the meeting upon Provincial matters, he should readily comply with that desire. But the course of events lately—and his position, personally, and as a member of a Government which had been very much assailed by a minority, but still a minority worthy of attention—made him anxious to have the opportunity of replying to those attacks—(applause); and if the meeting did not signify objection to such a course, he would speak upon Provincial matters, as well as those relating to the General Assembly.—(Hear, hear.) There had been industriously circulated a series of misrepresentations, having for their object bringing into disrepute the Government of the Province. Those misrepresentations had been circulated so industriously, that many persons had given credence to them, because the Government had not had opportunities of contradicting them, equal to those of the persons who had circulated the misrepresentations. If he could go fully through, the proceedings of the last session, he thought his hearers would recognise that the opposition to the Government had not its origin in tiny strong public feeling—that the Land Policy, upon which the opposition was ostensibly based, had very little indeed to do with the matter—but that the opposition sprang from a double source. Upon the part of a very large section of the minority in the Council, the origin was simply a desire to change seats with the Government—(applause, and a cry of "No")—while, upon the part of another section, the origin of opposition was a determination to secure an end very much cherished—that of bringing Provincial Institutions into con- page 2 tempt, with a view of doing away with them. There were, with that object, very shrewd and active leaders, and very weak and foolish followers.—(Hear, hear.) Those who might not be inclined to admit that they belonged to the latter, would perhaps agree or think that they belonged to the former section. As to those who desired to change seats with the Government, there were amongst that section of the minority some who were so anxious that they did not care upon what sacrifices they obtained office. There was no member of the Government to whom overtures were not made to join an Opposition Executive, or to admit an Opposition member or two into the then Executive. One member of the Government was told, forcibly, if not elegantly, "If you are not satisfied with your present 'screw,' we will put on the Estimates any amount that will satisfy you : only do join us." A member who left the Government was, up to the last day of the session, most pesteringly annoyed by applications that he would consent to move a vote of want of confidence in his late colleagues; and the number for Port Chalmers was offered by Mr Haughton the office of Secretary for Land and Works, if he would only go into the ranks of the Opposition. But the Government resolved not to do that which would have been helping to bring Provincial Institutions into contempt—not to yield to a minority; and also that they would go out of office unless they could hold it with a Ministry formed out of their own supporters.—[Mr Vogel referred to the proposals of want of confidence during the session, and to the resolution as to a dissolution of the Council.] He did not question that it would be very advantage-out if some members could he weeded out of the Council. There were in the minority many members who supported a dissolution who also expressed great regret that a ässolution would necessitate the Superintendent going out of office—a feeling which it was sought to meet by the resolutons brought down by the Government, because the Government felt strongly that it was a great evil that the eletions for the Council should come immediately after the election of Superintendent. But a remark was made to him recently, by a gentleman who had taken an active interest in politics, which remak, as applied to the tactics of the Oposition on the dissolution question, mae him feel that something was ex-planed which was not sufficiently ex-planed before. The remark was, "Major Richardson is the most popular man in the Province, just now. If there was a vacancy in the Superintendency, he would be sure to get in."—("Oh! oh!" and laughter.) As to a dissolution of the Council, there were a good many members, who, to prove the necessity for a change, need do no more than stand be fore the public and say, "I am a reason for it."—(Loud laughter.)