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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4398, 24 April 1875, Page 2

We have to acknowledge the receipt of a neatly printed copy of Sir George Grey’s addresses to the electors of Auckland, from Mr. George T. Chapman, the well-known publisher. The title page informs the reader that “ the addresses have been revised by Sir George Grey, K.C.8.” As we have not had time to peruse the authorised version of these addresses, we cannot say to what extent the work of revision has been carried out. A cursory glance, however, enables us to say that Sir George has struck out that remarkable passage in which he speaks in terms of such endearing familiarity and compassion of the Queen. The compiler prefixes to the speeches a copy of the leading article in the New Zealand Herald of the 23rd March, so that we may fairly assume it was inspired by “the great proconsul,” or at all events that it has his entire approval. And no wonder when we find the following passage in praise of Sir George’s crude scheme of government;—“ Finally, Sir George sketched out a scheme of government so novel in its features, yet so grand and broad, that it is sure to command the attention of other colonies as well as of New Zealand. His two chief objects were to bring the colony into direct communication with the Crown, and to avoid as far as possible all legislation, or any system which could tend to reproduce the strong class distinctions, and the inequalities of wealth and fearful misery largely consequent upon them, that England had inherited from bygone times.” This is the kind of rubbish which that remarkably shrewd and enterprising publisher, Mr. Chapman, of Auckland, is convinced will sell. The speculation is certainly creditable to his perceptive qualities, but we cannot say much for the intelligence of the people who buy it. The quotation from the leading article in the Herald, which we have just made, embodies all the levelling principles of the Commune, and is as repugnant to natural justice as it is to common honesty. Why should industry and intelligence be handicapped, and prevented accumulating wealth ? Sir George Grey gives no reason why the social order and industrial development should be reversed, neither does the New Zealand Herald, but strange to say, these great authorities agree in desiring its reversal. However, our space does not admit of discussing the point at any length to-day.