SIR GEORGE GREY ON LOAFERS.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2511, 24 April 1878, Page 3

SIR GEORGE GREY ON LOAFERS.

I In his speech at Nelson, Sir George Grey made the tollowing remarks on t,be subject of "loafers" and " roughs ":—" I am told, for instance, you are securing the assistance of all the "loafers" in New Zealand, aud on the other hand I saw it stated in a letter that I was securing the assistance of all the "roughs" in New Zealand. I say that the loafers in New Zealand are not fthe honest, hard-working men who are helping me ; the loafers in New Zealand are the men who sneak about public offices (cheers), and who in various ways have acquired advantages over their fellow-men. I say that those are loafers who take taxes out of the pockets of their fellow countrymen and spend them on their own properties (cheers). These are the men to my mind to whom the term should be applied. On the other hand, those who are supporting me in New Zealand are men who, rising now to the necessities of the present time, are determined that a new state of things shall prevail in New Zealand—are resolved that a constitution worthy of the great nation that is to occupy this country shall be founded and established here—are determined that in as far as possible the Government of Mew Zealand shall in a short period of time be confided to New Zealand hands—to hands of men educated and raised in this country. I say that thosa men who are determined to build a great structure of that kind for the future ; who are determined to be tire forefathers of a nation which shall be proud of those who have gone before them, are no loafers or roughs, but they are true patriots, true fathers of families, worthy founders of colonies—men who would be a light and au example for the generations which are to follow us." (Cheers).