Untitled

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5843, 20 December 1879, Page 2

We take this opportunity of drawing attention to the remarkable change for the better in the political character of the Young New Zealand Party, which at once became evident when they were happily withdrawn out of reach of the great Proconsul’s potent influence. It might reasonably have been expected that some one of his henchmen would express regret at his absence, but not even a sigh wushcard, nota singlesilcnt tear was shed. Upon the whole his removal seemed to have the effect of improving the spirits of his disciples; “the schoolmaster was abroad,” and even Mr. De Lactour was quite jolly for once. We commend this fact to the special attention of Sir G. Grey. It may possibly induce him to hide his diminished head under his own roof-tree, and once more to retire from the stormy arena of political life, and seek the royal and happy seclusion of his “Island Home,” where the smallest possible modicum of land tax is levied, and road rates and county rates are absolutely unknown. We look forward with the utmost confidence to a speedy announcement of Sir G. Grey’s final retirement from political life. When the ardent reformer is comfortably buried in his political cemetery at Kawau, King, Lords, and Commons will rejoice, and wo shall breathe a fervent and devout prayer for peace to the ashes of his political reputation. One and all will join in the hope that the retired statesman may enjoy his well-earned rest as Lord of the Isle. The time may yet come when an energetic journalist shall depict Sir G. Grey acting the part of the fine old English gentleman, and murmuring over his wine, —Confound their politics—Frustrate their knavish tricks—God save the Queen.