PER SPECIAL WIRE TO "STAR."

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3469, 6 February 1880, Page 2

PER SPECIAL WIRE TO "STAR."

(Piiiiss Association.)

AUCKLAND,

Yesterday ©pgaisg Grammar School.

Sir George toy's Address.

The new grammar school v^as formally opened with an inaugural speech delivered by Sir Gr. Grey in the presence of a large and representative gathering of ladies and gentlemen^

Dr Campbell occupied the chair and introduced Sir George Grey, who was accompanied by Sir Wm. Mauning.

Mir Geo. Grey said : Iv the early days of the Colony he had the honour of founding the scholastic institution which they had the privilege of attending, and in discharging that important task it was his cherished wish to see it become the germ which should ripeu into an efficieut and grand university, and Jvith that desire uppermost in his mind he had obtained an endowment for it, and sought to procure for it a charter. It was therefore peculiarly pleasing that the honour of opening such a handsome and coratnodious structure should be accorded to him. The speaker then went on to indicate the important questions which would have to be grappled with in the coming age by the rising generation, and in this connection he pointed out the serious responsibilities and duties of manhood ; amongst other things, there was a growing tendency to speak slightingly of Christianity, to sneer at its cardinal doctrines, and to regard life as a thing of little consequence. In past ages Christianity had withstood with unshaken front, the- determined assaults of her detractors, and she was ready with increasing strength to repell all her assailants. Thence he went on to refer to the value of scholastic institutions, and the heavy responsibilities which devolved upon the coming generation in building up a strong and powerful nation. They had singularly great advantages in their favour. A climate unsurpassed for geniality, mountain scenery eclipsing in grandeur that of Switzerland, forests superior for beauty and magnitude to those of Europe, a prolific soil, and an educated and well selected population: every hope was before them, every chance of earning a great career in full view, and high distinction open to aspiring ambition. They had every advantage in their endeavors to become a mighty and. strong nation. Sir Geo. Grey then declared the building as formally opened.

A vote of thanks for the address was passed by acclamation.

The passengers by the British Empire were landed at the quarantine station. The ship's fittings will be burned, and the vessel fumigated. Dr Andrews and his wife who had been staying at Motuihi, hearing that the vessel was ordered to quarantine, went down" to~theislancl~forj their luggage,- and were arrested by Barnsley, and put in quarantine also.

The Land Tax Commission served 35 summonses for hearing to-day, but the defaulters paid up.

An infant, nine months old, named Bertha Kirkhatn died at the quarantine station of bronchitis.