Did Grey Retire, Disgusted with his Colleagues?

Observer, Volume X, Issue 623, 6 December 1890, Page 9

Did Grey Retire, Disgusted with his Colleagues?

The editor of the Wellington Post was not idle during his stay in Auckland last week, as he sent down the following very spicy telegram apropos of Grey's retire-' j ment : — _ Sir G Grey's retirement is the one topic of conversation here, and universal regret is felt at such a termination of his long and brilliant career. It entirely revoluI tionises the election probabilities for this city. That he ! is undoubtedly seriously ill from congestion of the lungs is quite believed, but the best informed think other causes have influenced his retirement. His return wonld have been absolutely safe, as Auckland feels a deep debt of gratitude to him for his benefactions, apart from political considerations, and he might possibly have carried W. L. Bees in with him, although most of the respectable members of the party found it difficult to accept i him. On Friday night, however, the Central Liberal Committee adopted Mr W. J. Napier as the third candidate to run with Sir G. Grey. This choice excited almost universal disgust, and a firm determination waa expressed among Sir G. Grey's strongest supporters not to swallow Mr Napier. It was felt that his candidature endangered Mr Rees', and the latter described the selection as one absolutely of desperation, and professed great regret. On Saturday afternoon Sir George Grey's personal friends declared that he refused to identify himself with either Mr Rees or Mr Napier, and would stand alone if he stood at all. admitting at the same time that Dr. Wallis and Mr T. Thompson would certainly beat Messrs Kees and Napier. Annoyanoe at the colleagues proposed to be associated with him undoubtedly influenced Grey's present decision. Without him neither Mr Rees nor Mr Napier has the erhost of a chance. Mr Thompson is regarded as safe. It is possible now that two other good candidates may be found to run with him. l)r Wailis would only be accepted as a last resource, owing to his eccentricities.