PENWOMEN'S CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 65, 17 March 1936, Page 15

PENWOMEN'S CLUB.

SIR GEORGE GREY'S LIFE. An interesting and appreciative address on Sir George Grey was given by Mr. E. Aldrklge, at the Pemvomcn's Club on Friday afternoon. "The history of this Dominion," he said, "was swrapped up in the life story of a select group of great men, among whom the name of Sir George Grey towered supreme." Not even Ccecil Rhodes could hold a candle to the memory of Sir George Grey, "the great Pro-Consul." He was born in the year 1828. His father was killed in the Peninsula War. Ho had a prediliction for a military career, but his main claim to fame rested on his ability as a governor and administrator. He -vas beloved by the natives of the countries Which he was called upon to govern. Sir George Grey was far in advance of his time. The marvellous Grey collection in the Auckland Public Library was evidence of practical scholarship in art and literature. Adelaide also had a great collection, which it would not exchange for ours, and there was also a Grey collection in Capetown. At the age of 24, Sir George Grey was commissioned by William IV. to survey the coast of Western Australia from the Swan River, and his work in this direction became a classic. In the survey of this wild and difficult country great privations were endured by the surveying party. Grey was compelled to leave his companions weakened by the hardships they had undergone and returned with a relief party, when they were brought safely back. He was appointed Governor of South Australia, which at that time was in a parlous state, and made an outstanding success. Grey then came to New Zealand, where Hone TTeke was waging war against the white settlers. He acted with customary promptitude, and in a short while changed the conditions of war to those of peace. The first Maori war was soon over, and the British "mana" reached a higher level than ever. Realising that his ignorance of the Maori language was a drawback 111 understanding the native mind, Grey set himself to master it, and he later became an expert in 'Polynesian mythology. Not once but several times he walked and rode from Auckland to Wellington, the rough tracks, and at times hostile natives, imposing a hazardous journey. In 1854 Grey was appointed Governor of Cape' Colony, where three races, the British, the Boers and the Zulus were struggling for supremacy. Grey hero occupied a very difficult position. The Boers and the English united against the Zulus. The principal chief of the Zulus was captured, and generous terms of peace were dictated to them. Sir George Grey returned to New Zealand as Governor. As Administrator, mythological expert and native ruler, the speaker concluded, Grey built up for himself a name that would always live. Mrs. Carr Pollett presided, and thanked Mr. Aldridge for his address. Mies Edith Amos gave an amusing sketch, "Having my photograph taken."