GOVERNMENT LEVEE.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 835, 3 August 1853, Page 2

GOVERNMENT LEVEE.

'Yesterday an undress Levee was held by Hi* Excellency the Governor, at GovernmentHouse, to allow the Settlers * public oppor^ tunity of paying their respects to him befei& His departure from this Province. The ajfeteuv dance was more numerous than we Tiave ever ■ witnessed on any previous occasion, both the large rooms at. Government House being quite full, a very, general desire being felt by setUei* of all classes to show their regard for.Hia, Excellency in • his ; public capacity, w\dt\\ei^. personal appreciation of his virtues and pri\ , rate .worth. The Levee was also attended, by several Natives, many of them from Porirua and I Otaki, who joined with • the . settlers in taking leave of their valued. fr}epd, After, the' Levee was over several deputations waited on. Hii Excellency iMfWrjals, '$$

other tokens of the regard entertained for | him by the' settlers. A deputation of the Artizans waited on His Excellency with a Medallion and the following Address: — To His Excellency 8m Georgb Grbt, K.C.B; Governor of New Zealand, &c, &c.

Mat it rttKat Your Excellekcy.-^* We, the i undersigned Afti/ans &c, of Wellington; most respectfully request your acceptance of . the accompanying Medallion ks a .trifling mark of our sincere respect to your Excellency as ruler of this - Co* lony. improver of our Settlement, as an esteemed* fellow Colonist, and as the civilizer of the Native race ; feeling that the friendship now existing between us and a once hostile people, the toads which intersect portions of this once almost pathless wilderness, the universal peace we now enjoy, and the amended prospects of the Colony are owing to the prudence and personal exertions of your Excellency for our welfare. .Morally better and more durable are the bloodless laurels of your politic course of Peace. Justice, and Conciliation, than the vaunting " Came, Saw, and Conquered " of the Roman Casar ; the useless results of whose conquests was to leave the smouldering embers of imperishable hate amongst the remnants of half exterminated barbarians. You, with nobler views of .the mutual tights of mankind, «re rapidly^ele^Rtiqg the.. .once, ferocious, ,Maqsi, to British habits of respect for the laws, and of peaceable industry. In fact you have so far destroyed the habits of the Savage, and created those of the Briton- that you may now apply with truth to this settlement the poetic Legend of Ancient Ireland," that a defenceless woman decked with gems can now travel without insult or injury " amongst the once foes of the British settlers. We feel that you have industriously applied your time, genius, and toil, to the welfare' of the human race. Holding the highest station in these Islands, you have kindly mingled amongst us , more as a friend than a ruler ; being always ready to sympathise with the distresses; and relieve the wants of the pooreit .settlers. We now bid you a temporary farewell— not with the cold formal respect which, merely your office of Ruler of these Islands and Representative of our Queen Would of course claim of us as British subjects ; but with the warm feelings of personal interest in your welfare with which we should regard the departure of an esteemed friend and respected brother colonist. Rejoicing that your toil has been at least rewarded with the fame dear to all honourable minds, which may you ever happily enjoy ; sin-cerely-hoping that you may acquire more honours and peaceable laurels by still promoting civilization and the happiness of mankind through a long and happy life ; wishing that your honours and happiness may for a -long life be shared by your amiable Lady, we with the kindest wishes for her and your safe voyage to England, aud safe return to these islands, beg with profound assurance of our sincere re•pect for yourself and Lady Grey, to .subscribe ourselves, Your Excellency's humble Servants, £ Jere- follow the signatures, 110:] The MednHion ir-of Silver;-with "a Hjolid'golct' rirti, , and' has aVeYy-'chasteappearaiiceV'-itis' the production. of Mr. Marriott, and is a very, favourable specimen of his skill and talents. The Medallion has the following inscription: Ontb«? obverse is 'engraved — To Sir Georob Grf.t, K. C. 8., Governor-io. Chief of the 1 glands of New Zealand. . On the rever«f-— From the Artizani of Wellington, in testimony of His ability and private worth, and in grateful remembrance of the interest JI« has ever evinced in their welfare July 1853. On the «dge of the ring is engraved — Australian gold. -' The. Medallion was placed in a neat box of New Zealand wood, in the, centre of which is a small silver medal, on which is engraved the Insignia of the Order of the Bath. ■ His Excellency returned the following re" ply to the deputation : — "- Government House, ■ . Wellington, August 2nd, 1853.

Gknixuhn, — In the now long course, of my official cmreer I have never received an address which has afforded me more sincere "gratification than that which you have presented to me. Not that I for one moment conceive that I merit the flattering eulogiums which you have bestowed - upon me, but there is one passage in your address which explains why you regard my actions in so favorable a light, and which is in itself as high a reward as any colonial Governor could receive from the people he governs; When you tell me that, holding the highest station in these Islands, I have still mingled amongst you, more as a friend than a ruler, ha* ving been always, ready to sympathise with the distressed, and to relieve the wants of the poorest settlers, I feel that you address me in the language of real .regard, and render me a tribute which, lo my mind, is the noblest you could bestow. It has ever been my desire so to act as to deserve the regard of the people of this country, but beset with such numerous difficulties, ana* having such varied and conflicting interests to deal with, it seemed very doubtful, however much I might merit this, whether I should obtain it. Your address, however,' shews that many ge> neroua hearts have felt the difficulties of im situatibn, Snd have seen how good at least my intentions were, and to me it is peculiarly touching that many of those who* have felt this, and who thus address me in the warmest language of gratitude and encouragement, belong <to a class of life which rendered it impossible tfor me to have gained their regard, without ha•ving really striven to deserve it. The rules of the Colonial service prevent me from accepting any • present without her Majesty's permission ; I will, however, apply for %*. Qeen's leave to retain Che medallion you jbvjenow presented to me. I shall carry novtbJßf /rout New, Zealand which 1 shall more iugbiy jprize, and I am sure tbftt no servant of jfier Mq-jetjtjf'i ever requested permission to re- ! .tain* gift which was more honorable alike tohimself, ,apd those who presented it. <L*djr,>Gc*y Aeaires me to you her warmest thanks £>r< your , good ..wishes for our future happitfeks : «nd; welfare.' ' We shall on our firt, jvl}et^e,r in Europe t>r New Zealand, strive

. in every way in our power to promote yours. 3 * G. Grot; ' Governor-in-Chief. •f o this succeeded a deputation 'of itffir 1 * chants and other settlers of Wellington,, for the purpose of presenting td His Excellency a piece of Plate of the value'of one hundred •Guineas subscribed for by' them as a mafk of .their regard and esteem. It .had been previously .intimated to His Excellency,' thai the amount would, be forwarded to England to Sir Godfrey ''Thomas* His , Excellency's brother, with, a request that he would carry out the wishes of the subscribers, and cause to be engraved on the testimonial a Suitable inscription, which had been agreed upon by them. Mr. Varnham, Hon. Secretaryj read a - short address> expressing in appropriate terms the sincere regard which the subscribers entertained..for His Excellency, and .their deep sense of the important benefits' New Zea land had received from his administration of the Government. Sir George, who appeared Very much affected by this address, excused himself from being unable to £eply in an adequate manner to their kindness, but would shortly return a written answer, and assured the Deputation in very feeling terms of the deep impression wjiich,, their strong expressions of regard ha4-made'upon him, and. of jhe' regret fte, r(e\t .in- parting, from .those by whose cordial co-operation and generous support he had -been-enabled to. carry on the Govern-ment-with advantage to the Colony. On the receipt of the Governor's answer we will publish it, together with the address and inscription. • A deputation then waited on the Governor to present a Memorial from the- Inhabitants of Wellington and its neighbourhood, which was signed by five hundred and twenty'persons. Mr. Moore on behalf of the Deputation explained that the signatures were chiefly of those persons residing in 'Wellington, and in the Porirua District,-the Hutt Settlers having prepared a separate Memorial, and the limited time not having'permitted settlers residing at a distance to join in this mark of respect. The Memorial (which was published in the Spectator, July 16:h) had received-the signatures of a great proportion of those gentlemen in the Commission of the Peace, and of all the Ministers of different Denominations of religion. ' The following is His Excellency's reply to the Memorial: — Government House, Wellington, August 2nd, 1853. ' . t

Gentlemen^ —I receive'witH very great pleasure'the address which you have presented to me. - .. ' » - The ties which exist between myself and the inhabitant* of this Province are of no ordinary kind. ...When this, settlement was involved in the. jpapst s serious difficulties and distresses the .management of its affairs was committed by the Queen into my hands. The vast majority of its inhabitants at that time of exigency came forward to afford me every assistance in their power, many of. th*m even readily gave their services in the fie)d to aid in crushing the then existing rebellion, and it, is to the courage and -prudence of those' who.^hus gave. ,to the Go-],, vernment their assistance or counsel'that 1 am (under the sanction of Divine ProviJence) in a great degree indebted for.the success which has crowned the measures I took to endeavour to promote the prosperity of this country. In parting.*tbeiefore, from- those who thus aided me, I cannot but feel as if I parted from personal friends and assistants', and not merely from a people who the Queen had commissioned me to govern. No time or circumstances can obliterate from my memory the entirely disinterested support which,.under circumstances of very great,difficulty, many.of you, have for years affprded. me. Whether the course of my future life is passed in England or in New Zealand, I can never cease to reciprocate that regard which you express for me. . Lady Grey begs..-me to thank you for the kind wishes you have - expressed for her health and future happiness. One of the greatest pangs we now feel in parting from you is, to think that we have not done more to render, us worthy to live in your esteem, and to merit the terms in which you speak of us. We can only hope that we may be permitted to repair this error, by rendering you future services. ' - . '' G. Grbt, ' • Governor-in-Chief, A deputation of the officers and members of the New Zealand Society succeeded.with the following address to the Governor which was presented by the Superintendent: — To his Excellency Sir George Grey, K.C.B. &c, &c. Mat it please, Your Excellency.—We ?j the Office Bearers and Members of the New Zealand Society beg very respectfully to address your Excellency on your approaching departure* from this colony. . -.-..• We recognize in yp.u .the founder of, this. Society; we know and value the important objects which ft was your desire to advance, the chief of those objects being to promote a love of science and at the same time to develop the resources of New Zealand ; yet we appreciate still more warmly the eminent services which you have personally rendered to the Society, and therefore feel that in losing you as our President; we- are being deprived of the aid of our most valuable member and efficient supporter. ''* " ~ yfe console ourselves with the hope, that even at the distance of sixteen thousand miles, your Excellency will, hot, forget a society which owes not only its existence to your exertions, and also whatever vitality it possesses, to your fostering care; but that on the contrary your Excellency will use the influence of .your well established reputation in connection with various learned societies, to obtain for us that aid without which the objects we contemplate will never be carried oat. In conclusion, we beg to express', our most earnest wishes for, the heajth, hapgnnesi, and prosperity of your "Excellency and Lady Grey. " The following ia the Governor's reply: — ' Government House, \ '" ' Wellington^ 2nd 1853.

August, Your Honor and Gentlemen, —My thanks are .duetto, you not only for the kind manner in which you have come forward on my approaching departure from this colony to offer toiLady'Greyand myself such kind wishes for-

our future prosperity and Happiness, — but for the important aid you afforded -me in coming forward and assisting me with your countenance and advice, when 1 endeavoured to secure the establishment of a Scientific Society which might so materially promote a knowledge of the resources of this country,- - and their future development. I trust that yotfselvel /atK^tftose Scientific pefsons who are to be 3 T6uBa* in each- of 1 -the settlements of New Zealand;' Will still 1 continue to endeavour tb aid the progress, and increase the usefulness of a society Miich might do so much for the future of Nevr -Zealand. I canassure you that I will endeavour to perform my part in the work by forwarding from Europe to your care all that I think dart aid £ knowledge of the natural resources 'of 'New Zealand, or Can foster a love of knowledge "amongst its inhabitants ; and that I will do^ my utmost to induce the Societies of Eurtffhfc^ta'ififeresl; themselves in this, the yourig^kj^ -hi "alll 1 * Scientific Societies, and 5 which Has so^recentlj^heen established, and in sb •distShi S^c'oWtry. Lady Grey and myself .thank you sincerely for the kind wishes you have/expressed for our welfare, — wishes which hsiv&- a great value as proceeding from the N j ewL'Zealand Sopiety, but which have. a. far value to us as proceeding from so. many --hjgfcljr, valued friends. , ,i- V.-'- 1 ' ■ '.--p.* Grey,. ■ ■ / .• • -.GoVjeraor-in-Chief. His Excellency further expressed his'strong interest for the -welfare <6f tibiwlnsdtutionrand the desire he should alWays-tcel in promoting its success, and" 1 among other" valuable suggestions recommended the society to' elect as'ho--norary members Several persons (friends of his) j who were leading members v df learned societies" in Europe, a list of whose names' he promised to furnish the society, and who would thereby feel a more direct interesting the welfare of the society. His Excellency", as 'jabo. example, men r tioned Admiral Beaufort, Hydrograher to the Admiralty, who he thought'-* would 1 on his recommendation furnish them not only with a set of the published charts^ of New Zealand, but also with those of oiiher parts of the ■world, and that the collection might prove of great" service to the colorfy. A memorial from the Huft settlers was also presented, which with" 'th$ fl 'Governor's reply, will appear in Saturday's Spectator. "" '"\

YeBterdat afternoon^ the 'children of the Church of England schools in Wellington were entertained with cake atod tea by Lady Grey at the School Room, -Thorndon. Upwards of two hundreddhfldrenwere assembled in the building, and an' additional interest was given to the meeting by the fact that it wa9 understood that Lady Grey 1 , who has always taken the warmest interest ' in the welfare, tiid an active personal part in • the management' of the schools, would avail herself of that opportunity of bidding the children; good bye. - The school room was decorated with great taste, 1 the walls being ornamented tyith paintings and engravings. A plentiful feasf was provide.!- for the children who?-- having -'sung a stahia of " God Save the Queen," aiitf^said grace, addressed themselves- .with great glee and good will to the enjoyment of the £ good things befoie them, while the numerous visitors whom the occasion had collected seemed to derive almost equal gratification in witnessing so many merry and happy young faces., A great many Natives also were' present, including Te Raupar.iha and Rangibaeta's sister.'-and other influential natives from Porirua and Otaki, who had 'cv>me to Wellington to pay 1 -their respects Ito the Governor. - After tea a' short but interesting lecture was delivered : by Dr. Ralph to the children, on the users of i He microscope, j in which he explained to them the structure and organization of the nfosde, and other shell fish of that class/ a portion of the membrane of the muscle having <t>een prepared for their inspection by tlie microscope. After the lecture the following address, which, was en*, tirely got up by- the- ohild»ea— and -signed by them, waspreaeatedto^hehr^warfiftfrfeEris and generous patrons. Sir (5. attdJ^tdyGrey, having been first very clearly Master Mason, in the name and on-behak&f., his schoolfellows: — „; *<?•-,-' Church of England School, Flat, Wellington*/ New Zealand, 'August 2nd. 1853. To Sir Gborgb , and Ladt jGwr^yre, the Children of the Church of "jfinglanii School, Thorndou Flat, having heard yjat.ypu are about to leave this colony for England,, desire to thank Sir George for his constant in our . progress, and for his assistance in providing, a good school room and.pjay-ground, and for .his many presents of books and^^er .things, for our use. We hope to grow .gp^. good and loyal British subjects. Our obligajtiQnji to Lady Grey are so numerous that we know where to begin to thank her. H •*"" . We all remember with pleasure her kind, amusing, and regular instruction. We all thank her for a microscope/ J^k's" mapsi and pictures, and^ for her hely in^promoiing , our amusements in doors and in^e^play-ground. We all pray that you^injv hare a safe, speedy, and prosperous voyagfTj|pme, and trust that should you hear of us ioVjafter years you will find that we have emu&feji' the high and good example set us in youi;~c.onatant communication with as. : " t ' To this address Sir GeorgWor himself ajid Lady Grey, Who was standing by his sj^?, replied in kindly expression'! of regard a^d good will, assuring the children of the eolicj, | r tude and deep interest that: Lady Gr#y ,«nd himself felt in their welfare, j.and in the success of the school, and that in taiipg leave of them they both that in eaclv lehildthey. were parting from a young frieaff,'"" , Jle expressed a hope that some one among 'tHem would, so far bear them in mind as'tp '.sem| him a co,py of the annual report of the schoojs; whenever published, to inform them of .the progress and con- i tinued prosperity of an Institution they both had so much at heart, and hoped' that by God's blessing those whom he- now addressed would grow up to be good men and good women. Sir George concluded by tfianking the 4 children for their address which \ he said was, nicely th*ougbt of, well composed, and well delivered \ by the boy who had read it onTf heir behalf. A general clapping of Kanjds and three cheers followed from the children who, ,by the auimatio,n|

they" evinced, plainly showed that this was on their part a heartfelt demonstration.