The Daily Telegraph. TUESDAY, MAY 6, 1884.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3690, 6 May 1884, Page 3

The Daily Telegraph. TUESDAY, MAY 6, 1884.

Whatever may be said about Sir George Grey's failing "influence as a leader in Parliament, there cannot be any donbt as to the influence ho exercises in the country. It is more than probable that there is not a man in New Zealand who possesses half the influence that ho docs over tho thoughts of his fellow colonists. This much is certain, that both his words and his actions command more attention than those of any other politician in this colony. _ His opponents simply hate him, while his admirers worship him. To be hated so cordially as he is on tho one side, and to be so worshipped on the other, can be but the fate of a remarkable man ; and there is no questioning the fact that, at this moment, George is the most remarkable man in New Zealand. He is now on his way to Dunedin to commence a series of lectures, of which it is safe to predict that they will stir political feelings to their profouudest depths. _ A perfect master of oratory, and possessing , an extraordinary power of appealing to tho sentiments of his hearers, Sir George Grey's present tour is hardly likely to be less sensational than that of 1875-77. On that occasion he prepared the way for the downfall of that " Continuous " Ministry which, under different leaders, had held office for four years and a half, during which time there had been no less than six reconstructions. The present Ministry has held the reins for a somewhat longer period, and has experienced three changes of leadership, and now gives unmistakable signs of an early dissolution. This is the time selected by Sir George Grey to enter upon another political campaign, in the choice of which he displays the judgment of an old general. He has preferred to address the people before, rather than after, the forthcoming session of Parliament for reasons that arc sufficiently obvious. It is impossible to say what the events of the next session may bring forth ; Parliament may be dissolved on a sudden, or bo allowed to linger on to its natural death. In either case there might be no time for a prolonged political Btumpmg tour, whereas from now to tho next general elections not only can he find opportunities for addressing the chief centres of population, but abundance of time is allowed for what he has to say to sink into the minds and influence the actions of his hearers. As far as we know Fir George Grey has given no clue to the subjects' 3 which will form the burthen of his addresses. "We know that he will oppose Federation, and we know that he favors annexation; that he will advocate a land tax is tolerably certain, but what particular line he will adopt with regard _to local government, native lands, public works, loans, immigration, and other questions affecting administrative policy, can only be imagined from the course ho pursued when he held the office of Premier. And of that course we still hold the opinion that nothing could have been more unsatisfactory. Since Sir George Grey stepped down from the gubernatorial chair, and took his place as an ordinary settler, his political performances may be summed up as "all cry and no wool." It is therefore of loss importance, perhaps, whether he shadows forth a policy, or merely speaks in a general way concerning his wishes for the happiness of tho "unborn millions." If from his previous career may bo judged his probable actions in the future, we should say that his addresses will serve to cloak his real intentions; This is a political art of which lie is a consummate master. The present stumping tour is no doubt animated quite as much by a spirit of mischief—politically speaking—as by a desire to educate the people and to lead them to think rightly on the public questions of the clay. Nevertheless his tour maj- lead to very important results. Doubtful as the benefits may be that have been the outcome of liberal legislation since 1871), this much we think may bo conceded, that the extension of the franchise, the maintenance of the educational system, and the increased facilities for the acquisition of small freeholds, have been mainly due to the desire of tho existing Government to cut the ground from under Sir George's feet. To this extent Sir George has been the means of obtaining for the colony legislation in a liberal direction, which without him might have been long deferred, and which if left entirely to himself might never have been passed. He is now once more on the war-puth, and he is certain to with sympathetic audiences amongst communities that have so lately delighted in hooting the Premier and Ids Minister for Lands. His progress will no doubt be marked by a series of warm receptions and brilliant triumphs. Let us hope that he will use his rare abilities with, judgment and moderation, and, returning to his home, leave the colony the wiser and the better from his addresses.