DINNER TO SIR GEORGE GREY AT NELSON.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 595, 16 April 1851, Page 3

DINNER TO SIR GEORGE GREY AT NELSON.

g [From the Nelson Examiner, March I.] gl A Public Dinner was given to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief on Monday last, a notice fffcwhich appeared in our advertising columns (!|it week. It took place as a mark of welcome •nd esteem to Sir George Grey personally, and of respect to the representative of her Majesty; jjiid as the dinner was not in the light of a parjty demonstration, it was attended by a large Kimber of the settlers of all shades of political minion. The room not being capable of afforKng accommodation for more than 150, the jekets were limited to that number, and were fil disposed of before the dinner took place, the ®y s generally being glad of an opportunity Wnch, without compromising political feelings, Sabled them to join in a personal compliment ■Sir George Grey. SP he chair, was occupied by Francis Jollie, Eiq- On his right hand sat the Governor, the ||on. A. Tollemache, the Rev. Mr. Butt, &c.; SP his left the Superintendent, the Hon. C. A. Billon, Rev. S. Ironside, Mr. Wodehouse, &c. The two vice chairs were efficiently filled by ■r. Pearce and Mr. Snow. BjThe cloth being removed, w;The Chairman gave the toast of her Majesty «e Queen. Drank with all the honours, the company gnging the National Anthem. ijg. The Chairman next gave the toast of Prince glbert the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Koval Family. .The Chairman then gave in apnropriate terms E*? the Army and Navy. ■pfr. W. L. wrey returned thanks for the Army, and Mr. Wilson fi r the Navy. fcT he Chairman then rose to propose the toast W the evening, and said —Gentlemen, I rise to IJopose to you the health of our distinguished Idlest, his Excellency Sir George Grey. It is fey tbui years within a few days since his Exgllency, on his second visit to this settlement, jjceived.a similar mark of public respect from ■ inhabitants.. Then he vas only as it were Bnimencing his government of New Zealand Snow, that government, I fear, is on the eve Hits termination. .The circumstances of the Oo periods, offer, in other respects, some reiterkable points of contrast; and perhaps beMte proceeding further you will permit me, Hntiemen, briefly to advert to them. When were favoured with Sir George Grey’s pre■pce on the former occasion, the native rebelBpi in the North had not long been put down, ° ne knew for how long), whilst that in the ■fath was in full activity, alarming people’s ■nds, and every now and then startling us by fearful murder or other atrocity commit;Wi by the insurgents. Now, however, gentleSn, and for a long time past, the pacification «the country has been complete, so that from Mjp e ( n d of it to the other there are heard neiwars nor rumours of wars” of any kind. l|B ain > the whole colony, at the beginning of was in a state of great debility and pros■gtion immigration had altogether ceased, and giulation was diminishing rather than increawhilst of course trade, agriculture, and ■Berprize of all kinds, languished for want of |fe, ,c confidence, security, and repose. Now, ■®the contrary, every where we discover the °f tranquillity, stability, and restored con■fence. Population is advancing rapidly, both gfey within and without—new settlements are ■the course of establishment, which must at ■ce affect materially and beneficially the fu■e progress and history of the entire colony ; enterprize is everywhere, under the .stimulus that has been imparted to it, ■gwing itself ready to supply the wants of the ■ferent settlements; wealth is gradually being ■cumulated in many different ways, amongst ■ classes—by the Maori as well as the Pake■K~wbilst its usual accompaniments of inde■pdence of thought, interest in public affairs, Hp’ious sentiment, and individual respectabili■fc” conduct, are becoming everywhere more ■Bvalent. Again, four years ago this, and the Southern settlements were suffering most m consequence, of the unsettled state of (H Company’s land titles, as well as the unsa|B n ctory and almost hopeless state of the land IBP.} 011 generally, as between the Company lt3 Purchasers. Happily, from that most ■ff cari , ous an d vexatious condition of affairs, , a PP ar ently once inextricable labyof dilemma,„ difficulty, and disorder, we liK. L p length completely extricated ourselves ■L \ low re . mn ’ ns °nly for his ExcelleniKn I r, 6 va r>ous arrangements that have J«u,J? arte rorr ! t ’ me to time, by the issue of ■■i ranls > l le e w Zealand Company havst.ran£e fatality, some most unacK ti e ?, CCK * ent or perverseness, devolved K nuA the performance of a ■K, an obligation which was most essenbenn V’ W^l °b h had expressly assumed, Bl long preparing to discharge, and

which, if properly and promptly fulfilled even at tlie eleventh hour, would have covered from the eyes of its purchasers a multitude of sins, and imparted a degree of grace to its hour of dissolution. This naturally reminds me of another feature of contrast between existing circumstances and those of the period to which I am reverting, and that one of no small practical significance. Then, and until very recently, the New Zealand Company occupied in this colony, and particularly in this quarter of it, a very conspicuous and important position, some of the most responsible powers and functions of a Government having been entrusted to its administration. That once powerful and useful incorporation, which dated its existence back beyond the actual creation of the colony itself, which has continued to exercise so great an influence upon its progress and interests till the present time, and whose whole history and proceedings are so.interwot en with its history, as to have rendered it apparently a necessary existence, an inseparable adjunct to our public institutions—that once powerful and influential body is now defunct, —numbered amongst the things ihat have been. Gentlemen, I have held office under the New Zealand Company—received its money, and done its work ; and therefore may be supposed at least not to have borne it any malice. But I confess I do not regret its dissolution. It was time for it to depart; it had grown to be only a cumbrous, unserviceable, costly, and obstructive state machine—- “ a machine,” to use the words of Burke, that was not “ worth the grease of its wheels.” The colony had outgrown the period of pupilage and protection;—though still comparatively an infant, it needed leading-strings no longer, but only to be relieved from that which the Company had in a great measure become—a clog and an incubus. Gentlemen, there is still one othe» circumstance of difference and of contrast between the state of the colony in the early part of 1847, and now, to which, though it may appear to savour too much of politics, with which I am precluded from meddling by the very constitution of this assemblage, I cannot refrain from here making a passing allusion. It shall be in no spirit of party. At that period we were all so solicitous of being freed from impending dangers, so happy in seeing them gradually disappear, and so gratified with our new Governor, that few persons concerned themselves much as to the form of the Government under which they lived. No new charter had yet transpired, and there were no very probable grounds for supposing that the whole system of our Local Government would, contrary to all colonial experience, within four or five short years undergo a radical change, by the substitution of free institutions and a representative Legislature, for what, so far as concerned the colonists, must certainly be termed a despotism. But, gentlemen, though we havenot yet actually arrived at that satisfactory position, we are, as everybody knows, next door to it; in all probability at this very moment, owing to his Excellency’s representations and advice, the British Parliament is preparing to legislate for us, whilst, to provide for the brief interval that may elapse before the result of such legislation can become known, his Excellency has, I think, very wisely, come forward with a measure for the creation of elective Provincial Councils, which if passed into a law, after perhaps a few necessary modifications, would, I have no doubt, work satisfactorily, and establish some considerable degree of popular control over the acts of the Executive in both provinces. Gentlemen. the facts which I have presented to your notice, in a comparison of the two periods, seem to me to speak for themselves as to the results of his Excellency’s general administration of the Government of New Zealand—they seem to me amply to justify this expression of your respect, and consideration. In instituting such a comparison, I should wish you to understand, however, that it has not been my object so much to indicate my own feelings as to the character and merits of Str George Grey’s administration, as to furnish some materials by which, you might each of you, if in my place to-night, express your own, fairly and justly to all parties. Were it my purpose on this occasion solely and indiscriminately to commend his Excellency’s conduct, I should have contrasted not the two periods when he has been our guest, but the circumstances of the colony at the present moment, and its circumstances when he succeeded Captain Fitzroy. I feel, however, that such a mode of presenting the case might admit of question—that it would hardly be a. just view of the subject. Gentlemen, there is no doubt that Sir George Grey, unlike his predecessor, has from the outset been well supported by the British Government ; neither men nor money have been denied him, nor on any occasion of difficulty and embarrassment, that sympathy and moral support which he needed, and which for success in the prosecution of any course of policy, or any great public object, often goes as far as either. Sir George Gray, has been well .supported—the strength and the power and the confidence of the Home Government have been throughout freely and wisely afforded him. Under such circurnS rk ,CCa ’ I*” a PP ears . to me the great general merit of his Excellency is, that in a trying and difficult situation he hrs made a good use of his advantages, and wisely and successfully applied the great resources at his command. As 1 remarked before, I am not at liberty on this occasion to introduce questions of party politics; [ have no wish to do so, or to express any opinions which would impair the harmony of tne evening, or compromise any’ of those who may be now joining me in this demonstration of respect to. the Governor-in-Chief. But, gentlemen, differing amongst themselves as probably do many of those whom I now see around mo, on several questions of speculative politics, as well as on parts of his Excellency’s conduct, I believe really no one will deny that the policy which his Excellency has pursued towards the aborigines of this country has entitled him to our unqualified approbation and deepest gratitude. That policy 1 consider the test and touchstone of his whole career, and to inp it Etppeays tq have been characterized throughout by the highest wisdom, equity and foresight. 1$ has been firm and energetic, but at the same time most conciliatory and humane. , The rights and the supremacy’ of the British Crown have been vindicated against the rebellious and disaffected, whilst concurrently

therewith the guaranteed rights of the native people have been respected and confirmed. No aggression has been permitted on their part, no aggression has been attempted on ours. Justice, kindly forbearance, good faith, humanity, and liberality, have distinguished al! his Excellency’s proceedings in reference to the natives and native interests, and we behold at this moment the gratifying and splendid result of his solicitude and.exertions on their behalf, in a state of universal tranquillity, as weii amongst themselves as towards us, in their great contentment, increasing industry, advancing wealth, and growing assimilation to the customs, the laws, the decorum, the religion, and the language of Englishmen. It is, gentlemen, abeatitiful and interesting spectacle to every lover of humanity, to every truly British heart, and 1 regard his Excellency for the share he has had in so beneficent a work with much the same respect and veneration that I attach to the memory of a Raffles or a Howard, an Eliot or a Martyn. Gentlemen, in many other respects his Excellency’s character and conduct deserve our admiration. You know his affability, kindliness of manner, and goodness of heart, —you are aware that he has been the constant friend and generous patron of education, —of the education of the poorer classes, and you have to-day witnessed his presence and countenance at an exhibition of what is doing in this settlement for that object at the present moment. He has been the friend and the liberal benefactor of every charitable purpose, and every praiseworthy object. Our churches, chapels, schools, widows’ and orphans’ fund, and many other objects have received his personal and pecuniary encouragement and support. You of course do not forget that it was his Excellency who obtained for this settlement the Wairau district and the Waitohi, and thus laid open to the enterprise and capita] of our settlers a new and prolific source of both; that our roads have been maintained chiefly by means of grants of public money which he has put at our disposal; that we are indebted to him for the means of constructing a better communication with the Wairau than yet exists, and also, within the last few days, for another grant towards the repair of the existing roads of the settlement. Gentlemen, I have more than once stated that this is not a political demonstration, and that I had no desire to make it one. I believe, however, that our meeting here to-night to testify our respect to his Excellency has, and cannot but have, to a certain extent, apolitical bearing and a political significance. So large and influential an assembly of Nelson settlers could not, under present circumstances, have been collected, without pretty plainly evidencing several things of some importance at the present time. Gentlemen, it appears to me to show for one thing that the hearty and wholesome loyalty of Englishmen has not deserted, and will not desert,, us in this distant land, but that in the responsible head of the Executive of this colony colony we recognize and respect the sovereignty of a British Queen, and the supreme authority of a British Legislature. We feel that in honouring Sir George Grey, we are doing honour to the august source of the high authority and power delegated to him, and we should rejoice in the homage, even though his Excellency possessed but one half his actual claims to our regard. It shows also, I think, that notwithstanding some diffeiences of opinion may’ exist amongst us as to the merits of the Governor’s general political career, we can still unite in one opinion as to his private virtues, as well as the high administrative ability which has distinguished his government. Lastly, gentlemen, it appears to me clearly to demonstrate, on the part of the inhabitants of this settlement of every class, that however widely’ they may at any time have occasion to differ from Sir George Grey or any other Governor of New Zealand, on any great questions of public policy, they are at least willing to give him credit for acting honestly in any course which he may pursue, and that their opposition, when they must oppose, will be the opposition cf candid, conscientious and honourable men, not that ot one-sided, unscrupulous, and virulent partizans. Gentlemen, I will not detain you longer. I will only, in conclusion, assure his Excellency on behalf of this audience and myself, of our great pleasure in meeting him here to-night in this frank and friendly manner, and also of the great regret with which we have heard of his early retirement from the Government of this colony. His Excellency will correct us if we are wrongly informed as to that matter ; but if this is indeed to be our last opportunity of meeting his Excellency at the same friendly and festive board, then we would express to him our sincere wish, that wherever his future lot may be cast, to whatever stations of high trust he fnay be called, or in whatever public service his eminent abilities may hereafter be employed by r the Government of his country, that he may enjoy health, happiness, and long life, and, ever keeping his eye directed to the great objects of all science and all government—the freedom and the happiness of man—deserve and acquire lasting honour and renown. Gen • tiemen, I now give you the health of our distinguished guest, his Excellency Sir George Grey. (Mr. Jollie was loudly and repeatedly cheered during the delivery of this speech.) His Excellencj’ the Governor, on rising to return thanks, was received with loud cheers. He begged to express his very sincere acknowledgments to the L’hairman, and to all present, for the manner in which they had drunk his health, and to say how much he rejoiced at being surrounded by so many of the settlers of Nelson that night. It was indeed a gratification to him as a private and as a public man, to meet with such a reception at their, hands The position of a public man was often much misunderstood in the world: he was expected at all times and under all circumstances tokeep an even temper and a cool judgment, and to have no imperfections of any kind. Rarely was allowance made for private misfortune, for domestic sorrows, for difficulties and obstacles, for a hundred things which try men most, and make their tasks most difficult and irksome. [Cheers.] Especially was a public man, in the position of a Governor of such a colony aathis, exposed to misunderstanding. They had here two races, known to each other for but a few years, and having often opposite, or apparently opposite interests;. the welfare of each had to

be considered, and many a measure which seemed easy enough in one part of the country, might be full of danger in another. He might truly say that it was only those who had had experience of the same life, who could fully comprehend its duties or its trials. And when a Governor, as he often must, cameshort of his own intentions and desires, and fell into any error or snare, how seldom was due allowance made, how rarely was it remembered that even with the best wishes there was an impossibility to be always right. [Cheers.] The Chairman had said he (Sir G. Grey) had been well supported at home. Truly, he had been nobly supported by Britain, and no one but himself could possibly know the full extent of that support. But he had also been nobly supported by the settlers of the country. More especially the Nelson settlers had on several occasions given him large assistance and encouragement, and their testimonials of good will and esteem had done very much in helping him in his duty; and while, as he said, few could know the extent of responsibility and anxiety that necessarily accompanied that duty, so on the other hand few could appreciate the thorough pleasure that. such an occasion as the present gave him, or feel how much it repaid and rewarded him. [Cheers.] But he must take care not to be. spoiled by the praise and kindness he receivedin Nelson, any more than sway-ed by the odium was discouragement which he had met, or was still to encounter elsewhere. And indeed the support he received was not merely from meetings like the present; there were many other sources from which he had derived a steady and increasing encouragement ever since his administration commenced. The pioneer clearing the forest and opening new country—the ploughman at work in his field—the wife and mother nurturing her family—the schoolmaster extending knowledge to the children growing up fast around him—the native who was weaned from barbarism to civilization —the missionary’ and teacher —all these and many more were bis fellow workmen, and in their toils became his most efficient helpers. [Loud cheers.] Especially the missionary aided him, who taught the heathen anew faith, and converted lawless savages into good subjects of England : subjects who bad even sufferred themselves to be led in war against their own rebellious countrymen in arms against the Queen. The officers who had worked with him he had also reeeived the utmost support from those military and naval officers especially, who had served here during his Government, had been selected with peculiar care, and had throughout done him the greatest service : he could not let such an opportunity pass without repeating the praise they deserved, and theobligations he was under to them. [Cheers.] He was happy to look back upon the past, feeling that in the retrospect he could not regret thecourse he had pursued. What was commenced in trouble was continued in prosperity, and now bore its fruit in the universal improvement of the colony, and in the contentment of the great body of the settlers: and he looked back with, pleasure and gratitude and pride to his having been permitted to share in so great a work as the colonisation of New Zealand, especially when, as at each succeeding visit to Nelson, be had found the energj’.and enterprise of the colonists among whom he had been sent had se-. cured such happy results. [Cheers.] He should have regretted very much that the New Zealand Company had so long delayed giving ti-. tles to their purchasers, and had ceased without fulfilling a duty so indispensable to the advancement and prosperity' of the settlement, but that even in that circumstance he could find the source of future gratification; for the duty.had now devolved upon him to issue im-~ mediately, as he had determined upon doing, Crown grants, which by settling finally all questions of title, and the other long-pending questions arising out of them, would perhaps more than anything else pioduce confidence and ge--neral contentment. [Loud cheers.] He rejoiced that it had fallen to him, some years ago, to purchase and throw open to the enterprise of the settlers the fine districts at the Wairau, and he. was ready to use every exertion for the acquisition of other districts, such for instance as the one lately much spoken about on the Pelorus river, through which the proposed new line of road to the Wairau would be carried ; and he would direct generally his earnest attention to the improvement of the roads in other parts of the settlement. [Cheers.] The Chaiiman had spoken of the report of his probable departure from New Zealand. They must remember that his term of service had nearly expired, and that in the ordinary rotation of such appointments they must soon expect him to be relieved; but he was unable to say what were or might be the intentions of her Majesty's Government towards himself, nor what was the probable time he might- still be among them. Still he could at least say, in asking them to accept his renewed thanks for the manner in which they had received him, that wherever be was, he should always feel the most lively interest in the welfare of this place and the happiness of the inhabitants : and he begged to be allowed before he sat down, to propose a toast which expressed his most sincere and earnest wish, namely, “ Prosperity to the settlement of Nelson.” [His Excellency resumed his seat amidst loud and continued cheering.]

Mr. Cautley in tin appropriate speech proposed the health of Lady Grey and the ladies of New Zealand—with all the honours, (cheers.) Sir George Grey returned thanks on the part of Lady Grey for the kind manner in which the toast had been received. It had been Lady Grey’s sincere wisli to hiavo p.cccu'psnisd Him to Nelson, and every arrangement had been made in anticipation of that wish being carried out, until a severe and painful illness attacked her. Still hoping she might recover shortly, he sent the Government Brig over to Nelson, but on the return of the vessel Lady Grey was no better, and indeed rather worse, and was reluctantly compelled to give up any hope of coming here. His Excellency concluded by proposing the health of Miss Richmond and the Ladies of Nelson, which was drank with all the honours. Major Richmond returned thanks. j Mr. Nixon proposed the health of Major Ricb.niond—Drank withall the .honours.

Major Richmond very briefly acknowledged the compliment that had been paid to him, and assured the settlers present of the interest he should always feel in the prosperity of Nelson, in which he and his family held a considerable stake as settlers. Mr. Bell proposed the health of the Chairman, who returned thanks in an appropriate speech. The health of the Stewards was then proposed, and some other toasts were afterwards given, and the party broke up at a late hour.