SIR GEORGE GREY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1197, 8 February 1895, Page 10

SIR GEORGE GREY.

Prom Our Special Correspondent , ijoNDdf?, December 29. Sir George Grey did not after all spend - Christmas atllurstmonceaux.but in ton'll. Probably the terrific hurricane of wind, which sprang up on the night of the 22nd inst. caused him to abandon the proposed trip. When I saw Sir George this morning he seemed to be in very good health and spirits, but confessed that he was longing to be back in New Zealand. “ I have,” he said, ” almost made up my mind to start once or twice lately, but something has turned up to keep me hero ** each time.” “ Have you no plans for the immediate future P” 1 asked. Sir George shook his head. _ “I never make definite arrangements until the last moment, because I don’t like to break promises or appointments, and (with a smile) I like to bo able to change my mind.” Conversation quickly turned upon tho collection of Tasso’s works which Sil* George is making for the Auckland Library. The precious little volumes wore once again brought out for inspection. Their condition is absolutely perfect; indeed, paper, print and binding seem fresh as on the day tho volumes were first bound up. Considering that some three hundred odd years have swept past since thfe books were printed, the state thoy are now in is nothing less than marvellous. I wondered as I watched Sir George gently fingering one of Tasso’s own copies, how such a book lovor could bring himself to part with such a treasure even to an institution which is, so to speak, next door to his home. Sir George Grey has boen nominated a member of tho council of the newlyfoundod Society of Comparative Legislation, which will have for its object the compilation of a digest of the legislation of our colonies and tho United Statos. The Society’s work will indeed supply “ a long-felt want,” for as Sir IJobort llerbort remarked when seconding the Lord Chancellor’s motion for the formation of the Society, much labour and sorrow has been caused to men actively concerned in practical legislation through there being no such compendium or catalogue raisonne as that whioh ; the Society intends to provide. The work need not he a matter of great expense, for doubtless the Society will receive the sympathy and hearty co-operation of retired colonial Judges and other ex-oflicials of wido experience. Other Australasian members nominated with Sir George Grey, were Sir Westby Perceval, Lord Carrington, Professor Jenks, Sir Henry Wrixon, Mr J. Bramston, Hon Duncan Gillies and Sir Jas. Garrick.