Sir Geo. Grey's Birthday.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 89, 14 April 1892, Page 5

Sir Geo. Grey's Birthday.

AN OCTOGENARIAN.

CELEBRATIONS TO-DAY,

i THE t CITIZENS' TRIBUTE,

George Grey, the foremost) figure Zealand's life, attained'his* eightieth year, after a career such as per" baps ; no i other man living can show' and the birthday was appropriately marked by a very cordial demonstration on the parb of tho citizens of Auckland. The admiration and high esteem in which Sir George is held was amply testified to by the widespread demonstrations of respect and goodwill tendered by all classes of the community without regard to class or political creed, and Auckland was not alone in exDressions of congratulation. The feeling Of the rest of the colony was amply demonetrated by felicitous messages from the South Sir George Grey had special claims on the respect and kindly estimation of Auckland citizens more especially, but the colony as a whole is quick to recognise the sterling value of the veteran statesman's cast services for New Zealand, setting aside altogether the question of differences in P °An 1C energetic Committee of Auckland citizens had made extensive preparations for to-day's demonstration in honour of Sir George Grey's eightieth birthday, and the rosult was a very successful function in the City Hall in celebration of the event. Addresses were presented by various political and other societies, congratulatory speeches were made, and, the "old man eloquent" was accorded a most enthusiastic reception at his birthday gathering. In connection with Sir George Grey's attainment to the ripe age of four score, a brief sketch of his eventful life will be found appropriate to-day. _ Tho subject 13 such an extensive one that it can hardly be treated of with justice in a newspaper " issue," and we cannot do better than refer our readers to this week's issue of the "New Zealand Graphic" for an exceedingly accurate and careful history ot Sir George's career in New Zealand and elsewhere. A brief sketch, however, may be acceptable here. SIR GEORGE'S CAREER. Sir George Grey was born at Lisbon in 1812, three days after the death of his father, Colonel Grey, who fell while bravely leading his regiment at Badajoz, one of the scenes of the Peninsula War. A successful military course ab Sandhurst gained him a captaincy in Her Majesty's 83rd Regiment before he was twenbyi'our years ot age. Two years later iiis services wero accepted by the Colonial Office, to explore North Western Australia, and in 1836 he landed at Hanover Bay with Lieut. Lushington and twelve men on an exploration trip. He had penetrated about 70 miles inland along the course of the Gleneg River, when his party were attacked by natives, and the leader received a spear wound from which he suffers to this day. Under these trying circumstances further progress became impracticable, and returning to Hanover Bay, the party were taken on board H.M.s. Beagle. Alter two years' recruiting at the Mauritius Captain Grey prepared for a second attempt, and a whaling vessel conveyed him to Shark's Bay (W. A.), where he was left with three whaleboats and six months' provisions. Disaster again followed, the stores were washed away in a storm, and tho party had to set out for Perth, a distance of 600 miles, in leaky whaleboate. They suffered such terrible privations that all his party becoming exhausted Grey had to proceed on ahead, and eventually reached his destination safely, and sent back timely succour id his men. Hia conduct on this occasion found such favour in the eyea of the Colonial Office that they rewarded him with the Governorship of South Australia, and sometime afterwards, when the news of the native disturbances in New Zealand reached England, he was appointed to the head of affairs in this colony. He arrived here first in November, 1845, and finding that the operations in the North againsb the rebellious chief Hone Heke were proceeding slowly and unsatisfactorily he infused so much life into the campaign that within two months not only was the Ruapekapekapa taken, but Heke s power was completely broken. Matters at this time were in a very disturbed state in the South of this island, owing to the lawless behaviour of the chiefs Itauparaha and Rangihaeata, and the new Governor lost no time in punishing them. Having on the 23rd of July, 1846, landed at the old chief's settlement at Ponrua, with 130 men, he seized the o!d chief and carried him on board a man-oi-war, which completely restored peace to the island. For these services, Governor Grey was made a K.C.B. . ... The English Government having by this time formed a good opinion of Sir George Grey's administrative abilities, he was raised to the Governorship of Cape Colony, and appointed High Commissioner for South Africa. The Kaffirs being in a state of insuborination, he took the reins of government at a most critical period, but was so successful in pacifying the natives that in 1861, after the outbreak of the Taranaki war, he was once more despatched to this colony, and continued to administer its affairs up to February, 1868, when his appointment ceased by effluxion of time. During this period Sir George came to an open rupture with General Cameron, who returned to England some two years before the Governor. Upon the letter's arrival the Imperial Government, who had throughout the correspondence apparently favoured the General against the Governor, instead of offering His Excellency another appointment quiotly peneioned him off. Sir George soon afterwards came back tc New Zealand, and accepted various public offices, such as the Superintendency of the Province of Auckland, the leadership of the Opposition and the Premiership of the colony, which latter office he held for two years. He also had a brief but brilliant political career in England. At the close of his term as Premier he settled at the Kawau. Sir George had taken a great liking to New Zealand, and being over 60 years of age he made arrangements to pass the decline of his life in this colony. His "decline," however, has been marked by extraordinary political activity, and his consistent advocacy of Liberal principles has spread his name far and wide amongst the friends of Liberalism and of the industrial classes. Sir George's munificent donations of literary and art treasures to the citizens of Auckland, if nothing more, certainly entitlee him to the gratitude and regard of all classes of citizens. To-day, Sir George was by no means etrong in health. He had been suffering from a rather Eevere cold for a couple of days past, and the numerous calls made upon him were somewhat trying to him in his weak state of health. The various deputations waiting on him consequently were compelled to make their visits as brief as possible oub of consideration for Sir George, and in each instance he by request retained hie seat while speaking. ANTI-POVERTY SOCIETY. This morning a deputation representing the Auckland Anti-Poverty Society called upon Sir George Grey at his residence, in order to offer him, as their president nnd a revered iellow colonist, their congratulations on the-occasion of his 80th birthday, and to rejid:tQbUn an address which was to be presented to him at the public demonstration this afternoon. Amongst the members of the deputation wero the Vice-

President, Mr Adam Kelly, Mr Gerald Peacocke, and Mr Arthur Withy. The latter gentleman read the address over to Sir George, as follows :—

Auckland Anti-Poverty Society, m «• r, Auckland . ™th April, 1892. To Sir George Grey, X.C.8.,— I Honoured Sir,—Wβ feel that we cannot allow the occasion of your 80th bu-thday to pass without adding, to the general voice of greeting, our special tribute of grateful recognition. As pioneers and labourers in the great land reform, we have found the prestige of your name a tower of strength to our Society; while the honour of working under your presidency animates nnd encourages us to press forward by all fair and honourable means towards the still distant goal. On a well-remembered occasion, little over two years ago, Henry George speaking to us in Auckland, and referriug to yourself, said :—"Ten years ago he gave you what would have made your colony the leading English-speaking community in the whole world, the root and beginning of the single tax, but it was too early. Though the seed was sown,.the ground had not been prepared, but I trust he may still live to see that seed springing up into a tree to overshadow the whole earth."

We work in that hope, and our hearts fervently echo that wish, and with sincere coneratulatious and deep respect, Wβ are, for the Anti-Poverty Society, (Signed) Adam Kelly (Vice-President) F. G. PLATT(Hon. Sec.) J. Batty A. Withy B. C. Bkale G. Peacocke A. C'owley J. Kekwick W. S. RamsonJ. G. Walsh.

Sir George Grey, in reply, said he-had worked with tho Anti-Poverty Society with pride and pleasure. He had never been associated with a more quiet, determined, and resolute set of men. They combined in their method of action gentlenoes and force. He thanked the deputation for their congratulations, and referred in a kindly manner to several workers in the cause of land reform here and in Australia. The interview wns quite informal in character. The deputation retired after a short but pleasant conversation. AUCKLAND LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. At 10.30 a.m. Sir George Grey was waited upon by a deputation from the Auckland Liberal Association, viz., Messr3 W. Beehan (Chairman), W. Jennings (Hon. Sec), H. W. Dixon and Samuel Bright. Mr Jennings rend to Sir George the following address :—

Sir George Grey, K.C.B. Honoured Sir, —

On behalf of the Auckland Liberal Association, we are glad to convoy to you, as one who forms almost the last living link between tho past and present of New Zealand, our sincere congratulations on the eightieth anniversary of your birthday. We cannot refrain from expressing our warmest appreciation of tho efforts you have made towards advancing the cause of progress, and that though the clouds appeared dark ot times, the horizon is now bright with the presage of glory and success.

We earnestly hope that Providence may grant you many successive years, co that you may wilnass New Zealand's further development of freedom and greatness. (Signed) on behalf of the Liberal Association.

War. Beehan, Chairman. Wμ. Jennings, Hon. Sec,

Auckland, April 14, 1892.

Mr Beehan said he had great pleasure in presenting to Sir George this address as a slight token of the esteem and vonnration in whicjt he was held by the Liberal Association. It was the hope and earnest doairo of the Association that be. wcqlaM long spared to continue the work he harf bcoa pursuing in the pa*?-. Politically *peaki«c\ if Sir Gaorgo never did anything for them but to obtain the one-man-one-vote, he had endeared himself to them for ever. They prayed that he would be spared many years to work in the great cause in which he had been so earnestly engaged in the past. Sir George Grey thanked the deputation for the address and for the kind wishes expressed therein. He could only say that he trusted their efforts to push forward the Liberal cause would be amply crowned with success. Great abuses had settled down, and no time should be lost in combating them. These colonies had come wonderfully to the front in a few years. He had seen them when there were bub a few people scattered here and there, undergoing difficulties of various kinde. Now they had become one great community fit to take a place with the other nations of the civilised world. He would, of course, aid tlitsm in every way he could in endeavouring to attain that which they had in view.

Mr Bright said he had been 27 years in New Zealand, and the prospects of Liberalism in his opinion never had a brighter glow than at present. Mr Jackson Palmer, M.H.R., who accompanied the deputation, congratulated Sir George on the attainment of his eightieth birthday, and wished him " many happy returns," as did also the other gentlemen present, after which tho deputation withdrew. Messrs W. Duncan, W. J. Napier, Joan King, and Dr. Beale arrived shortly after in a cab, and convoyed congratulations and best wishes to Sir George Grey. During the day there weio many other callers, and the veteran statesman was kept busily engaged in acknowledging tho very kind wishes expressed towards him.

KNIGHTS OF LABOUR. Ab 11 a.m. a deputation from the Knights of Labour waited upon Sir George Grey. The Jubilee Pioneer Assembly was represented by Messrs R. Armitage, C. W. Gentry and R. French, and the Newton Assembly by Messrs W. Morgan and G. Bradburn. Mr R. French presented the following address :--

ToSirGeorgeGrey.K.C.B.,M.H.R.,etc: —On behalf of tho city assemblies of the Knights of Labour, and giving expression we are confident of our brethren throughout the colony, we desire to offer our congratulations to you on this your eightieth birthday. We do so the more heartily because you have identified yourself so closely with those sound principles of equality and freedom, on which alone true prosperity can exist. Wβ are mindful of the*splendid service you have rendered not only to the Australasian colonies, bub to humanity, by your advocacy of the importance of land reform—a subject of engrossing interest throughout the civilised world. We trust that coon in this colony a land tax exempting all improvements will be the law of the land. To you, sir, belongs the honour of securing the principle of one man one vote, which victory we trust will be completed by the abolition of existing sex disqualification. Wo admire your persistency in seeking to throw open the profession of the law to all qualified persons. Although you are net technically in membership with us, we recognise in you a worthy champion of tho noble principles of our order, which if studied; mastered, and earned oub, would abolish in a large measure the ilia afflicting modern society. We trust your life may long bo spared, and your faculties continue unimpaired, so that you may continue to be a leader of the people, and that numbers throughout the AngloSaxon world may be cheered by your u.nflufrjrino- zeal, helped by your wise example, and inspired by your lone service for humanity, to give themselves to the noble work of assisting their fellows to make "sweeter manners, purer laws." Here follow the signatures.

Sir George Grey, in reply, said he had to thank the Knights of Labour most sincerely for such an address, which wae to him very encouraging. He had worked for a long time with the Knights of Labour, and had always tried to aid them in every way. This address encouraged him much more and would stimulate him to further exertion in the good cause. Individual members of the deputation expressed their congratulations and many kind wishes, and then withdrew. THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Amongst the schools whose pupils were given a half-holiday to-day in honour of Sir George Grey's birthday was the Auckland College and Grammar School. In making the announcement of a half-holiday before the recces to-day, Mr C. F. Bourne, headmaster of the school, referred to the fact of Sir George Grey having set nside the original Grammar School endowment, and to the valuable services which he had rendered to the city and the munificence of his literary and art donations. The school flag was flying during the day in honour of the occasion. TELEGRAMS OF CONGRATULATION. To-day Sir George Grey and the Birthday Committee received a large number of congratulatory telegrams from all parts of the colony, from the Mayors of the principal cities and others, couched in very cordial terms. The messages offered hearty congratulations to Sir George on the completion of his eightiethbirthday, and wished him many happy returns of the day. The telegrams numbered several dozens. ' DEMONSTRATION AT THE CITY HALL. In consequence of the unsettled aspect of the weather, it was decided to hold the demonstration arranged to take place this afternoon at the City Hall instead of in the Albert Park, as originally proposed. The hall was handsomely decorated with flags, etc., in honour of the occasion, and proceedings were enlivened by the presence of an efficient band of musicians. The attendance was very largo, including very many prominent citizens, representatives of the Liberal Association, Knights of Labour, Trade and Labour Council and various other labour organisations. The children attending the public schools mustered strongly, as did also children bolonging to the various orphanages. There wero also a large number of ladies amongst those present. The chair was occupied by His Worship the Mayor, Mr W. Crowther. The following members of the Auckland Friendly Societies' Conference were to be present:—Messrs W. Webb (president, A.0.F.), 11. T. Garratt (A.0.F., hon. secretary to Conference), F. Maeaey (N.1.0.0.F.), E. It. i'igott (1.0.0. F., A.C.), A. Kidd (U.A.0.D.), J. Clarke (1.0.0. F., M.U.), J. Pabfcerson (H.A.C.8.5.), E. Carr (Rechabite), W. Doran (H.A.C.8.5.), Butler (P.A.), R. French (Rechabite), J. T. B. Dines (N.1.0.0.F.), H. H. Seabrook (P.A.), W. Jennings (U.A.0.D.), W. A. Harvey (1.0.0. F., A.C.), and H. J. Smith (1.0.0.F..M.U.).

THE CITIZENS' ADDRESS.

The address to be presented by His Worship the Mayor on bohaif of the citizens of Auckland is us follows :—

To Sot George Grey, Knight Commnnder of the Most HonourableOrderof the Bath, Doctor of Civil Law, Member of the House of Representatives of Now Zealand, etc., etc.

Sir, — Wβ, the undersigned citizen 8 of Auckland, bog to offer to you on this the 80th anniversary of your birth, our cordial and heartfelt congratulation?. Aβ Governor of New Zealand, Superintendent of tho prpvince of Auckland, Froinier of the colony, member of the House of Representatives, and in other spheres, you have devoted your pn&b talents unremittingly for tba advancement of New Zealand aii'.j libo wo! faro of its people, whiie by the priceioss treupuree of literature and art which you havo bestowed cjjon tho city of Auckland, you have earned the undying: gratitude of the present and future generations of its citizens. We rejoice thab a beneficent Providence has granted you length of duys beyond the allotted span of human life to acb as the wise counsellor and benefactor of this new nation, and we pray that in the vigorous possession of your great faculties you may yet be spared for manj years among your fellow-countrymen, whose reverence and love for you deepen with your advancing years. Sir, your name will live in the world's history as a great ruler and statesman, and a large-hearted philanthropist, and the memory of your civic virtues will bo preserved through tho ages to inspire others to follow in that path of love for humanity which you have so unfalteringly trodden. Assuring you of our profound respect and affection, On behalf of the citizens of Auckland, We have tho honour to be, sir, Your obedient servants, W. (JROWT.HER, Mayor. R. J. Duncan, Secretary of Birthday Celebration Committee. Auckland, April 14, a.d. 1892. PRESENTATION BY MISS REES. The biography of Sir George Grey, written by Mr W. L. Reos and Miss L. Rees, entitled " The Lile and Times of Sir George Groy," to which roforonce was made in our last issue, was to be presented by 3Vase Rees, two very handsomely bound copies of the book having been obtained from the Stak Office in advance of the general issue, for which .the demand is likely to be very large. ADDRESS FROM THE PEOPLE OF WELLINGTON. The citizens of Wellington have also propared an illuminated address to bo presented to Sir George Grey, bub it is intended not to present it until the veteran statesman arrives in Wellington next session. The Press Association wire tho text of the address, which is as follow? : —

To Sir George Grey, X.C.8., Sir, —Wβ desire to tender you our hearty congratulations upon your having attained your eightieth birthday in the enjoyment of good health and unimpaired mental vigour, Aβ residents of Wellington, and colonists of New Zealand, we recognise the fact that while your long life has been devoted to honourable and distinguished service to the Empire in many lands and in various capacities, your name will ever be most intimately associated with that of this colony, in which 80 great a portion of your life has been spent. We fully appreciate tho devotion you have always shown to the interests and welfare of this colony, and your unwearied efforts to benefit your fellow-colo-nists, to improve their condition socially, economically, and politically, and to do all in your power for the elevation of the masses, and the ensurement of the greatest good for the greatest number. On many of the details of the measures you have paesed or advocated, opinions must, necessarily, be divided in an active and healthy-minded community ; but we can all unite in admiring the high and noble motives by which your public life has been actuated, in thanking you for the great services you have rendered to your Queen and country, and in earnestly praying that you may yet be spared for many years to devote your energies and great abilities to the promotion, of the. best interests of your fellowmeni and to continuing to advocate the welfare andprosperity of the colony which affectionately.recognises in j?ou its "Grand Old Man." Wishing you many happy returns of the day,-—We remain, your sincere friends,