"AUCKLAND'S GREATEST BENEFACTOR."

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 225, 23 September 1898, Page 5

"AUCKLAND'S GREATEST BENEFACTOR."

His Worship the Mayor made reference at the City Council meeting last evening to the death of Sir George Grey, whom he described as " the greatest benefactor Auckland has had." The Council all knew, lie said, that it was through Sir George Grey's action that the city endowments -were secured, and everyone was aware of the value and importance of the Art Gallery and Free Library. It was resolved on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Cr. Trenwith, " That this Council record on the minute book its sorrow at the news of the death of the late Sir George Grey, and its high appreciation of the valuable services and <nf ts to the city of Auckland ; also, that the Council offices be closed from noon on Friday 23rd inst., the day of the funeral, as a token of respect for his memory." At the same meeting last evening die Council received an application for the temporary loan of the phonogram in the Free Library, which contained the record of Sir George Grey's voice. The applicant proposed giving a concert in the Choral Hall, and among other attractions reproducing in a phonograph the voice of the dead statesman. The application was declined. This phonogram was placed in the Free Library in 1891, and contains a message to the Auckland people from Sir George, as spoken by him into Professor Archibald s phonograph.