HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XIV, Issue 1136, 24 May 1879, Page 7

HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE.

(. Saturday A dvertmr. ) Sir George Grey deserves well of the Colony for the manly and decided stand which he has taken in connection with Native affairs. His swarthy Majesty King Tawhiao has been compelled to “sing small” after all his braggart boasting and “ talk talk.” The Premier has been abused by the Opposition Press for parleying with the Maoris, and he has been charged on many occasions with truckling to the Kingites. Now, however, he has demonstrated that he can be firm when firmness is necessary. To the cold-hearted, money-grubbing, earth-hawks who hunger for Native lands the policy pursued by the present Government towards the Maoris appear puerile and weak. Some of these white braves would have gone in for the “stamping out” process, regardless of the claims of justice. Sir George Grey, on the controry, from his long intercourse with the Natives, has a thorough knowledge of the people, and, in appreciation of their many good qualities, he has ever pursued a kind and generous course in dealing with them. That this kindness has not been thrown away, is evinced by the loyal sentiments of the great body of the Maori race. The few stupid savages who surround the sham King stand almost alone in their opposition to our laws, and Sir George Grey’s straightforward conduct must convince them that they have been duped and hoodwinked by designing men. An eminent French writer tells ns that “we cannot be just unless we are kind-hearted,” and Sir George Grey’s entire caroe has been an exemplification of this fact. Despite all the undeserved abuse which has been heaped upon him by the plutocrats of New Zealand, and their scribbling myrmidons, he has always acted the part of an honest man and a true friend of the Colony. He has committed political blunders and legislative errors in his time, like other eminent statesmen, but he has never yet stooped to a dishonorable action. With all his Arcadian visions and Utopian dreams, he is entitled nevertheless to the appellation of the Bayard of New Zealand, upon whose escutcheon is emblazoned the motto : Sans peur et sans reproche.