PAINTING OF SIR GEORGE GREY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11202, 24 October 1899, Page 5

PAINTING OF SIR GEORGE GREY.

[fit telegraph.— correspondent.] Wellington, Monday. An interesting ceremony took place in tic members' lobby, Parliament Buildings, just after the half-past five adjournment today, when Dr. Grace, on behalf of Ibe Library Committee, accepted an oil paint- ; ing of Sir Geo. Grey, by Mr. J. M. Nairn, of Wellington. The Premier made the presentation ill a brief speech. He said lie had much pleasure in handing over to Dr. Grace the picture which had been painted in accordance with an understanding arrived at last year. Before concluding, Mr. Seddon referred to the great work Sir Geo. Grey had done for the colony and the Empire. Sir G. M. O'Rourke said he was satisfied the future historian of the Empire would point to Sir G. Grey as the foremost Colonial Governor of the century. He felt sure '.hat if Sir Geo. Grey's stay at the Cape had been prolonged his prudence, foresight, and fortitude would probably have saved the Empire from the present trouble. Sir Maurice referred to the deceased statesman's connection with New Zealand, 'and his personal character, and warmly condemned the treatment lie had received at the hands ot the Colonial Office and the tardy recogntion of his great services. He (the Speaker) could not repress the indignation he felt at the way in which Sir Geo. Grey had b-.vn treated by the Little England school. That school had, however, now passed away and the motto of cut the pointer had gone with them. People in England to-day would no more think of cutting the colonies adrift than they would of surrendering Gibraltar to Spain. Mr. Rees spoke of the unselfish and heroic career of Sir Geo. Grey, and said he was respected by all classes and all ages. In him the whole Empire found a connecting link, and New Zealand had special reasons for being proud of him. Mr. Bees also referred to several incidents in the life of the deceased statesman.

The Hon. T. Kelly said a few words as a Taranaki settler, referring principally to aar Geo. Grey's action in Taranaki during the Maori war of 1867. When in a critical time the Imperial trooos were ordered away from that district- Sir Geo, Grey, as Governor, took the responsibility of refusing to carry out the order. His work 011 that occasion had never been properly recognised. Dr. Grace, in returning thanks on behalf of the Library Committee, stated that he had the honour of knowing Sir George Giw intimfttcly, and referred to his gentlonoen, his patience in suffering, and his chivalrous disposition. Ho was a poet, a philosopher, and a statesman, and all the savings of his life had been devoted to the establishment of libraries such as those at the Cape and in Auckland. Nothing honoured him more than the fact that he died almost penniless. Dr. Grace thought it was a pity that New Zealand had not done more to cause her distinguished public men to be remembered. If those now living did not leave behind fitting records of these men they would be sadly neglecting their duty. Before the ceremony concluded the Premier read the following extract from a letter written by Sir George Grey in 1884 "I have been built up by the aid of the affectionate and able friends in many parts of the world, especially in New Zealand, and selfesteem and ingratitude ill becomes a man who owes so much to the unselfishness and aid of those who have overlooked many faults and shortcomings, and who owes a debt of gratitude that he can never repay." The ceremony was witnessed by a large number of members of both Houses.

The picture represents Sir George Grey seated at a table. Considering the fact that the artist never saw Sir George, and had to paint his portrait from photographs, the likeness is generally considered to be a good