The Globe. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1084, 19 December 1877, Page 2

The Globe. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1877.

We have now before us the full report of the speech delivered by Sir G. Grey ou the occasion of his reception at Napier. As might have been expected, the manner in which the speaker endeavors to secure the sympathy of his hearers shows that Sir G. Grey is a master in that department of oratory. He began by referring to his visit to Napier twenty-three years ago, when he arrived in the place "a worn-out wanderer," and of his success in persuading the Natives to sell some of their land, and then went on to say:— They agreed to sell a very large district of country to me, and the difficulty was then to find the funds. The colony was so poor at that time, so different from its present position, that even to find a few thousand pounds seemed an almost impossible task, and I had the very great pleasure of largely contributing to the purchase of this place from my own private means—to acquire it for the public good, with the firm belief that thousands of families would occupy this soil, and that a great town would arise on the place where we at present stand. Well, now, to-day what do I see? The very dreams I formed lying upon those hills are now realised I see a prosperous town arnund me; I see a numerous population evidently well-to-do in every respect, and I, the weary wanderer have come here, not a lonely man, and been received by thousands this day who have accompanied me into town. (Cheers ) I only ask you whether, under such circumstances, there is not, in truth, a blessedness in being crowned with length of days, for it is only that blessing which could have enabled me to see the welcome sight which has this day gladdened me.

Having thus placed himself in accord with his hearers, Sir G. Grey proceeded to announce his policy—a policy, the unfolding of which he felt was his solemn duty. As a preparation, however, it would be the bounden duty of all " that every man and every youth should be instructed in political knowledge." How this instruction is to be imparted we are not informed. We presume, however, that the Ministry will take the task in hand, and during the recess pour such a flood of light into the darkened minds of the inhabitants of this colony as will change the whole current of public opinion. Sir G. Grey and Mr. Sheehan have wasted no time in beginning their task. Mr. Fisher also will, we hope, take an early opportunity of doing his share of the work. We look forward with no

6mall curiosity to the appearance of that gentleman on the platform. Mr. Fisher is possessed of some political knowledge of which his constituents are ignorant. They want to know how he reconciles his position in the Cabinet with the solemn pledge he took in the House only a few weeks before, regarding the land fund. No doubt Mr. Fisher has a very good reason for changing his opinion, but his constituents are ignorant of it, and are naturally anxious to be made acquainted with it. Next, we shall want to know something about the attempt to veto the Land Bill, and the delicate regard for the opinions of the people's Representatives which Sir G. Grey's conduct on that occasion displayed. The whole transaction showed how anxious the Premier of the colony was to consult popidar rights, and how completely ho was prepared to sink his own individual opinion. Then there is the Sir W. Jervois correspondence, and other matters. On all these points the public are anxious to be instructed, and Mr. Fisher is just the man to play the part of the high moral teacher. We do not of course expect, when the light of day is thrown upon those transactions to which we have referred, that they will be such as to command our admiration. Bui in the case of tho Grey Cabinet it is precept, not example, which tho public must follow. Having thus been instructed to the utmost in political knowledge, the next step Sir G. Grey want.' iaken ie to securely grasp that power whicl' he says the people never yet have had. Tbi' i« to be £©isure4 by gmsg to evarjr»»»

if age who has resided for twelve months a a particular electoral district, a vote. Che next thing is to take care that the ■doctoral districts are fair in size, so that he whole population of New Zealand should be fairly and fully represented, so is to have a potential voice in Parliament in the management of their own affairs. The next thing Sir G. Grey proposes is an equal system of taxation—" a system ••' under which the whole population shall " contribute to the revenue in proportion "to the advantages they derive;" and, finally, we are promised fair and equal land laws. When. this is accomplished, we are promised that in a very short period of time the property of New Zealand will be vastly increased, " homes " Avill be obtained for thousands of " families who cannot now get them," and many things which we desire to attain, and cannot at present get, will be placed within our reach. But we must reserve for a future article some consideration of the glowing picture thus presented to us.