SIR G. GREY, M.H.R., AT AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2252, 17 May 1881, Page 3

SIR G. GREY, M.H.R., AT AUCKLAND.

[Tebsb AsaociATioir temgbam.J AUCKLAND, Hay 16. Sir Geo. Grey addressed a crowded public meeting to night in the Theatre Royal. A largo number of ladies were present, and Captain D. H. McKenzie, chairman of the central committee, presided- Sir George was enthusiastically received, and his speech lasted two hours. Sir G. Grey said it was with pleasure that he came before the citizens of Auckland to point out some of the measures which he thought should be adopted. He was charged with reiterating the same things over and over again, but no great change was effected without continual iteration and until a reform was effected he would continue to repeat the statements objected to. The press was silent on these matters, though of great public moment. There was the Triennial Parliaments Bill, which was thrown as a sop to them. It was like the story of the Russian peasant who threw out of his sledge to the pursuing wolves the things least valuable to him. The “Timaru Herald” denounced him, as he saw from an extract to which his attention was called. The “ Herald” said he advocated a pernicious doctrine of Government by a bare majority. They must be governed by a majority or a minority. He preferred to be governed by a majority. A distinguished statesman said of the New Zealand Constitution, that if the British Parliament had done nothing in one session but passed that measure it would have been fruitful in results. Of that constitution they had been robbed. That they now possessed was the worst in force in any dependency with representative institutions of the Empire. Sir George then passed in review the topics referred to in his Thames speech, the anomalous constitution of the Legislative Council, the gridironing system in Canterbury, pluralities of votes under the county system, the Government insurance system and its abuse, the non taxation of absentees, the unequal operation of the land tax, the Patetere block, and the land question. The education expenditure would be the first to be curtailed, if anything had to be lopped off by the Government. Now if the unearned increment of property was taxed there would bo ample funds for education, for free libraries in towns, and for charitable institutions. He be-ieved occasion would arise when local industries should be fostered, and when the people should cheerfully bear taxation for the good of the country, but such matters should be very carefully decided to prevent abuse. He had a new plan for remedying some of their political evils, and he mentioned it here in the place where he had lived for so many years, namely—federate the empire. The colonies were at present dumb dogs. They ought to have a voice in the Imperial Parliament. Things were now altered ; we had the cable and all parts of the Empire were practically brought together. Britain could not suffer without our suffering; her weal was our weal j her woe was our woe. The House of Representatives (he wished it was a truly representative House) could pass on some great question a resolution approving or disapproving of what was going on there in the Council of the empire. It would be read in the House of Commons, and in that way would influence the British Legislature more than the presence of two or three colonial members. Ho intended to bring on a new motion of that character in the Assembly next session if an opportunity presented itself. If his scheme was [adopted by the Legislature, other Legislatures would follow suit and it would be impossible to take a retrogressive step. Again, in the Council of the Empire, deeds of violence were being (lone. In parts of the empire they could pass resolutions imploring that peaceful measures should be first adopted, and thus possibly avert disasters. Fathers should train their children to look beyond local wants, to those of the country and the empire. It would be an admirable training for young colonists to lock at these groat questions at home in a broad light. As to the Chinese question, unless they barred out foreign labor and kept themselves a pure race their demoralisation was certain. The Bill brought in by his Ministry would have settled the Chinese difficulty for ever, but he did not think the present Government intended to bring in any measure on the subject next session. The question was a very serious one, and ho hoped that Government would yet bring in a Bill. The Ministry said they did not desire fresh legislation. Possibly they did not, but just as one stirred up a lion with a long polo, so he would stir up the Ministry. There was another subject ho wished to speak of. They knew the two young princes were coming to visit Now Zealand in a man-of-war. They would no doubt wish to see their future king. If these princes were taken simply to Wellington, not only the European, but the large native population of Auckland, would be overlooked. The Native chiefs ought to have an opportunity of showing their loyalty to the Queen’s grandson. He believed in governing people by sympathy, and the visit of the princes here would create a bond of sympathy with the rest of the empire. The citizens of Auckland ought, through the Mayor, to bring the matter under the notice of the Governor, so that the latter might make representations to the homo authorities, and instructions would possibly bo issued to enable Auckland citizens to testify their loyalty by paying their respects to the young princes. Mr Samuel Luke moved, and Mr Prank Lawry seconded the following motion, which was carried by acclamation ;—“ That the meeting accord its thanks to Sir George Grey for the able and statesmanlike address which ho has just delivered, and expresses unabated confidence in him as a leader of the people.” Mr W. Coleman, oolicitor, attempted to address the meeting, but retired after some interruption. He said that no practical plan bad been sot forth to remedy the alleged political abuses of the subversion of the Constitution. All that had lately been done might have been done under the first Constitution. Auckland people were practical people, and wanted a practical plan. As to sending resolutions homo about other people’s business, they had enough to do to mind their own affairs.

Sir George replied to Mr Coleman, and caid it was monstrous that the country had not the power of reforming its own constitution. Mon at a distance might mean well, but they could not give satisfaction, and reform might only be effected by riot and bloodshed, when it ought to be done peacefully and by an appeal to the people at large. Sir George Grey moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, and the meeting broke up with three hearty cheers for Sir George.