Sir George Grey's Birthday

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 98, 24 April 1886, Page 5

Sir George Grey's Birthday

Presentation of Addresses, Eto

The high esteem in which Sir Geo, Grey is held and his great popularity received fresh attestation from the largo and thoroughly ropresontative assemblage which gathered in the Opera Houee on April 14 to witness the presentation of complimentary addresses to him on the occasion of hia 74th birthday. Fully half-an-hour before tbe time fixed upon for commencing the proceedinga the dress oirclo was thronged, the ladies largely predominating. The lower parts of the house wero also crowded, and many ladies oocupied seats therein likewise. In the orchestral box were stationed the Artillery Band under Mr Hunter, while the first two rows of seats on tho stage were consecrated to tho use of the choir which had beon formed for the performance of Mr W. R. Wills''odo.

Amongst tho gentlemen who occupied seats upon tho stage there were Colonel Rooke, Messrs T. B. Hill, J. L. Wilson, W. S. Wilson, M. Montague, T. W. Leys, J. M. Haelett, A. G. Horton, R. H. Bartlett, J. M. Shera, J. King, Rev. W. Gittca, Colonel Fraser, M.H.H., Messrs J. Burtt, W. J. Suiter (Mayor of Newmarket), T. Thompson. M.H.R, J. Lundon, E. Mitcholson, M.H.R., Jas, Grant (President of Trades and Labour Council), G, M. Keed, 0. Mays (Chairman of Waitomata County Council), D. J. McLeod, Professor Aldia, Moasrs W. J. Napier, W. P. Hoffmatin, Dr. Kilgour, Messrs E. W. Burton, W. Gorrie, 11. Kooning, Cra. Montague, Crowther, and Kidd, Meesrs J. M. McLachlan, F. Jeune, R. Cameron, Reader Wood, Thos. Wood, M. Gallagher, P. Darby, SoymourT. Georgo, M.H.R , J. Mason, Thos. Mason, T.Henderson, jun., L Ehronfried, P. McNaught, Capt. Davenoy, Dr. Beale, Roy. Father Waltor McDonald, Cr. Garratt, Mr P. Coiniskoy, MrThomaa Peacock, M.H.R., Cr. Aickin (Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), aud Messrs J. Coates and J. Winks (Mayor of Parnoll). His Worship the Mayor assumed the chair amidst loud cheers, After addresses by Mr Reader G.Wood and Mr McNaught, a " Birthday Ode" by Mr \V. R. Wills was aung by the members of St. Thomas's Church choir, assisted by otheiß, under the oonductorship of Mr Philpot, the musical composer, Mies Hamilton playing the accompamorct on the harmonium. Sir George Grey listened attentively and appeared to be visibily impressed. An address was then presented by Akkkatkra, and interpreted by Mr Mackay Kongo « iiitiao Arekatera Tk Puni, of Ngatiraukawa, next addressed the meeting, and a Maori from the body of the building also spoke in terms of eulogy of Sir George Grey. Master Walter Barry then came forward and recited in a clear voice, correct modulation, and duo olocutionary effect, a poem entitled, "Who is the Greatest?" by Mr J. L. Kelly, the piece being inspired by Sir Geo. Grey's munificent gift of hia library to Auckland, The Mayor then presented to Sir George Grey the following address, beautifully illuminated, and having over 12,000 signatures appended : —

Auckland, April 14,1888. To SlrGeorgo Grey, K.U.1!., Kawmi. formerly Governor of South Australia. New Zealand, Cape of Good Hope, and New Zealand (second terra). Superintendent of the Province of Auckland, Premier of tho Colony, and at proaent M.H.R. for City East, etc, etc.:—We, tho undoraigued aottlors of this part of Now Zealand, have muoh pleasure in ottering you our hearty. congratulations on tho attainment of your soventy-fourth birthday, and we desire to wish you many happy returns of the day. For the past forty years your name has been IdontiQed with the history of this oountry, and wa feel that your remarkable and distinguished career, and your dlsinteroated publio services oall on this occasion for some special recognition. All parties gladly acknowledge the pure senso of publio uty by whioh you havo been animated, and that your aotions have been prompted by a desire to secure the happineaa and welfare of all olasaea of the peoplo. You have consistently ucted up to a high standard in publio life, and have shown 'a bright example to bo followed by the present and fnture publio men and benefactors of the colony. We recogniao in you a goneroua patron of tho arta, and an ardent worker In the domain of literature. As aatatesman.your sagaoity and foresight have been long known and appreciated—not only in thiß colony, but alao in other parts of the Empire—whero, aa tho repre.entative of the Sovereign, you have wuely and beneficently ruled. Your oloquont and sympathetic advooacy of all measures calculated to promote the moral and material advancement of the people will catse your name to be ever hold in grateful und affectionate remembrance. Assuring you that it is our earnest prayer that your ÜBeful life may be prolonged for many years, and that every happineßß may attend you In tho future, we remain, your obedient servanta and fellow-colonists.

After this "The Kawau March," composed in honour of the occasion by Mr Alfred Pooley, was performed by iho Artillery Band, Mr Pooley himself wielding the baton.

Sir George Grey, on rising to acknowledge the presentations which had been made to, him, was received with an outburst of enthusiastic oheering. He returned thanks in an eloquent oration, although he laboured under evident emotion.

The audience then rose to their feet as the familiar strains of the National Anthem were played.