SIR GEORGE GREY ON FEDERATION AND ANNEXATION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVI, Issue 992, 21 November 1883, Page 5

SIR GEORGE GREY ON FEDERATION AND ANNEXATION.

[By Telegraph.]

Atjpkla.nd, November 34th.

Sir Geerge Grey lectured on Federation and Annexation to-night at the Theatre Royal to a crowded audience. Senior C nincillor Waddell presided. Sir Geor«e was enthusiastically cheered on coming forward to address the meeting. He related what he had done during 40 years to get for New Zealand the control over certain islands in the South Pacific. Ho thought the present conference took place under unhappy auspices, as the representatives should have been elected by the vote of the whole colony. The people should claim that nothing be agreed to on their behalf till the proposals were submitted to parliament, and again referred to the decision of the ballot box. They should make these the cardinal points in any arrangements come to — First, that they should have the exclusive right of dealing with matters within the limits of the colony ; secondly, of having something to say in the councils of the empire as to the relations with the neighboring islands ; and thirdly, that no colony or portion of the empire should be surrendered without being done by Act of Parliament.

Mr J. A. Toole, M.H.R., proposed, and T. . B. Hill seconded, the following resolution ; "That this meeting accords its hearty thanks to Sir George Grey for his able and eloquent address on federation and annexation, and is of opinion that the islands in the Pacific Ocean should not be made receptacles for convicts of any nation.". Carried by acclamation. The meeting broke up with three cheers for Sir George Grey.