PRESENTATION.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 526, 14 December 1899, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

A few mouths ago a number of the admi'crs of I lie late S.r George Grey thought that sonic memorial of the late statesman should find a place in Hamilton, and with that object in view started a shilling subscription list, which filled rapidly. The committee decided that the memorial should take the form of an enlareed photograph, and this was prevented to His Worship the Mayor, Mr W. Dcy (as representative o' the Library Committee), at the Hamilton Library yesterday. The presentation was made by Mr J. S. Bond, who said :—Mr Mayor, —At the request ;/f the subscribers, I have great pleasure in presenting to you, as representing the Hamilton Library Committee, (his portrait of New Zealand's benefactor, Sir George Grey. The great services rendered bj that eminent Statesmen to the Queen, the Empire and to this couutry are such as will cause the present and future generation to venerate his name. It is unnecessary here and now to particularise those services, as they are gre.n in the memory of all who take an intelligent interest in the affairs of their country. The promoters and subscribers felt that some memorial of the sire it Statesman should find a home in Hamilton, and no better place than the Public Library could be found for its habitation. The colony of New Zealand to-day stands in the forefront of British peoples with its humanitarian and progressive legislation, and we cm scarcely estimate the debt of gratitude we owe to Sir George Grey for the work he performed in bringing this happy state of affairs about, and whilst we cherish the rights we enjoy to day, let us not forget him to whem we owe so much. His Worship, who unveiled the picture, said :—Mr Bond and gentlemen,— I fed it a great privilege to have the honour of unveiling the portrait of one who has cone so much for this couutry. With a keen insight to the future, he saw communities arise untrammelled by older prejudices : where freedom and equal righls shouid be given, and where the humblest should have the same opportunities as those in better circum stances ; where the teeming millions of the great cities of the Mother Laud could come and begin life afresh without the fear of hunger or want to oppress them, Al< these possibilities he saw and made it his life's aim to bring them to a happy climax. However much some may have differed from Sir George Grey, I think his worst friends will give him credit for sincerity in his endeavours to raise the human race to a higher level and direct it towards peace and happiness. Gentlemen, on behalf of tho Borough and the Library, I thank you for your handsome present. The eulareement, which is 4ft by 3ft 9in, is the work of Mr Henius, of Auckland. It is a faithful representation and a most creditable production. The framing was done by Mr Jehu Leech, of Auckland. The total costs of the picture was £s.