RECEPTION OF SIR GEORGE GREY AT AUCKLAND.
Auckland, December 19. Sir George Grey’s reception this afternoon was most enthusiastic. Two triumphal arches wore erected in. Queen-street, and the shipping and public buildings were gaily decorated with flags and evergreens. The Hinemoa arrived at 4 p.m., and Sir George Grey landed at halfpast, accompanied by Mr. J. 0. Brown, M.H.R., and several personal friends. He was received on the wharf by Mr, Boylan, the chairman of the Harbor Board, and other members, with a short address, to which he replied. The wharf was thronged with people who cheered lustily. At the entrance to Queen;street a platform was erected, on which the Mayor and Corporation, and the members of the Assembly and the Reception Committee awaited on Sir George Grey. Here the Mayor read an address, to which Sir George Grey responded in a few earnest words. He said fuller expression would be delayed until later. A carriage drawn by six grey's with three postillions in scarlet, thfen drew up to the platform, and Sir George Grey entered with Mr. Brown, M.H.R., and Mr. Mitchell (secretary), and drove through the streets, preceded by the Mayor, and followed in procession by carriages containing members of the Corporation, members of Assembly, &c , the bands playing iu “ See the Conquering Hero Comes” all along the route, which comprised Queen-street, Greystreet, Symonds-street, Shortland-street,Queen-street, Yictoria-street, Albert-street, to the Star Hotel. Great crowds rendered the progress very slow. At all the windows heads were crowded together to watch the veteran pass, and ladies waived handkerchiefs. It is computed that quite twelve thousand people turned out. The Volunteers were not present in uniform. The police had hard work to keep the enthusiasm in duo bounds, but the crowd were generally good humored. At the theatre the ceremony began at 8 o’clock. The dress-circle was reserved for ladies and gentlemen with ladies. The address presented contained reference to last year’s reception at the same place, contrasted the circumstances, and went on to say “We offer you, iu the capacity of leader of the people, our respectful congratulations on the progress made in establishing the great principles you have so unflinchingly maintained. We feel that vigilance and earnestness are still necessary to secure the permanent fruits of victory. We rest in continent assurance that yon will not cease your great and self-sacrificing labors until our new political institutions are so moulded as to secure for the people of New Zealand equal rights, and the certainty that the control of their own revenue shall not pass from their hands into those of any particular class or classes, to the exclusion and injury of the rest. This, sir, we understand, is the primary object you have iu view. We appreciate difficulties yet to be overcome, hut have no doubt whatever of your final success. We have witnessed vyith: contempt the efforts made to dishearten you by personal attacks and impediments of all kinds from pursuing the noble course yon have marked .out. We assure you of. our heartiest sympathy, and that you will receive our faithful''and! .loyal support, for we hold it fortunate that at so,grave a crisis of the colony • vje have the services of a leader, whose'disinterestedness, ’ability, love of right, and’ wide sympathies with all .classes no man can' venture to gainsay. -We pray that the Almighty may preserve you. in health and strength- to Complete the: work' so. well begun,- and -that the foundations of the.; liberties and rights .of the people of New , Zealand may he so firmly laid ,as to enable them to resist the attacks of all enemies now and for ever.”
j The following is a- portion of the Mayor’s address presented to Sir George Grey “Sir, — The Mayor, Councillors, and citizens of Auckland, recognising the great services which you have rendered to the colony, and especially to the North Island of New. Zealand, bv effecting' the removal of a grievous injustice in relation ’to the appropriation - of .revenues aris'ng from the -Crown lands, have felt we should be neglectful of our duty if : your return from your arduous-parliamentary: labors ; were unmarked by a public manifestation of; the approval with which your, policy, is regarded in this large and populous district of'the colpny.; During a ldn» and .eminent career,, closely associated, ,witl» all the vicissitudes of this prosperous anil loyal section''of her 'Majesty’s dominions, you have received inatiy marks of esteem from the people of‘ Auckland.- : ' We believe, however, that never: before'was there a widely diffused: desire among all classes of citizens to unite in. honoring a colonial statesman, or a high official of the Crown. -Wo trust that you will be long spared to carry out the measures which are demanded by the present circumstances of the colony, and that you will reap a reward commensurate with your patriotic self-sacrifice."—Signed on behalf of the City Council and citizens of the city of Auckland, H. Bbett, Mayor.
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5236, 4 January 1878, Page 3
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822RECEPTION OF SIR GEORGE GREY AT AUCKLAND. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5236, 4 January 1878, Page 3
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