3-065-954 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Plate presented to Mr. Julius Vogel, Prime Minister of New Zealand, 1874. 'The Hon. Julius Vogel has, during the last five years, assumed a leading part in colonial politics. He is now Prime Minister and President of the Council. There may be - indeed, there is - a difference of opinion among the more experienced colonists with regard to the extraordinary boldness of Mr. Vogel's financial policy. A lavish expenditure for the construction of railways in twenty districts at once, and costly attempts to force immigration of English labourers, may involve New Zealand in premature heavy burdens...On Jan. 6, in the city of Dunedin, which is the capital of Otago province, Mr. Vogel was entertained at a banquet, where a testimonial of the value of £500 was presented to him. His Excellency the Governor honoured the occasion with his presence. The captain and officers of the French warship Vire and most of the leading residents were among the company. Mr. Vogel took the opportunity of making a speech, embracing all the principal subjects of political interest of the day. The testimonial gift was a service of plate, manufactured by Messrs. R. and S. Garrard, of the Hay market, London'. Vogel was the first Jewish prime minister of New Zealand. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.