SIR GEORGE GREY AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 585, 18 March 1878, Page 2

SIR GEORGE GREY AT CHRISTCHURCH.

[FROM OUli OWN UOIIUESPONDKNT. j

Cniu.sTcnuECH, March 18,

Long before tiie time for commencing Sir George Grey's meeting on Saturday evening, the Oddfellows' Hall was densely packed with an enthusiastic audience. The Mayor presided, and the platform was filled with leading citizens and representative men, while the gallery was occupied by a large number of ladies. Sir George Grey was enthusiastically cheered on rising to speak, and was received by all standing. He commenced his speech by saying that he felt some difficulty in addressing such a meeting, because he had a critical audience to deal with. His speecli dealt chiefly with (he same subject as in Oamaru and other places. When referring to the falling in of the Canterbury runs, he said that the gentlemen behind him were responsible for the present state of affairs—a remark which was received with loud and prolonged cheering. Sir George Grey also referred to the condition in which the Colony would be were England to become involved in a war, and gave his reasons for declining to spend the money for the Hon. Sir William Jervois to report upon the defence of the Colony. He sa'd it was impossible that such works as those which would probably have been recommended could bo carried out in the present state of the finances of the Colony. He had preferred that Sir John Coode should visit New Zealand to examine the various ports with a very different object. Sir George resumed his seat amidst loud cheering. Mr. Stevens, one of the members of tiie House of Representatives for the city, moved a vote of thanks to Sir George Grey. Mr. Montgomery, another member of the House, proposed to add the words—" That the Government have the confidence of this meeting."

This proposition was seconded by Mr Saunders.

Mr. Inglis seconded Mr. Stev.yis" motion, amid tokens of disapprobation from tiie audience.

Then Mr. Rolleston, M.H.R., oxSuperintendent and popular idol of the Province, essayed the task of speaking', but was met with a perfect storm of hisses and hootings directly he intimated his intention of protesting against the vote of confidence, being parted to Sir George Grej\ [n vain did the Chairman endeavour to obtain for Mr. Rolleston a hearing, for every time the latter attempted to speak he was howled down with hissi s, booing, shouting, and general uproar. A Mr. Buckley was greeted in a similar manner, the meeting being fully determined to listen to no one at all opposed to the Premier. The vote of confidence in the Government was carried amidst loud cheering.