SIR GEORGE GREY DEMONSTRATION AT AUCKLAND. [ BY TELEGRAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Auckland, Monday Night.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2148, 15 April 1886, Page 2

SIR GEORGE GREY DEMONSTRATION AT AUCKLAND. [ BY TELEGRAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Auckland, Monday Night.

Ihk public meeting lo present an address to Sir George Grey on his 74th birthday took place to-night at the Opera House. There was a crowded audience, and Mayor Waddel presided. On Sir George Grey making his appearance there was tumultuous applause. A lady approached him and presented * bouquet which led to renewed cheering. The Mayor in opening the proceedings »aid he had pleasure in presiding on so auspicious an occasion as the anniversary 'of Sir George Grey's natal day. Iv doing honour to Sir George Grey, they were doing honour to themselves. Mr Reader Wood said he wu glad to i«e the natives and Europeans officiating in the birthday address to Sir G. Grey. He then, in an eloquent address, reviewed Sir G. Grey's public career. He bad seen Sir George hind on the shores of this colony. His popularity in New Zealand was only equalled by that of Mr Gladstone in England. The secret of it was his self-denial, his disinteresttdnetis, and his ability. He concluded by moving that the Mayor pro* sent the address. Mr Peter McNanght seconded the resolution in a brief speech, in which he said Sir George Grey was entitled to their gratitude for devoting his niagnificient abilities to the service of the colony. The resolution was carried unanimously. A birthday ode, composed by Mr W. R. Wills, music by Mr Pbilpot, was sung by the choir of S. Thomas' Church. A native address was then presented by some native chiefs. They desired their address to be bound tip with that of the Europeans, to show that the two races were now united. It was signed by representative chiefs in all ports of the North Island. Several chiefs delivered complimentary addressee. A public schoolboy, Walter Barry, recited a poem composed in honour of Sir G, Grey, which was loudly applauded. The Chairman then presented the splendidly illuminated address to Sir George Grey, in which the citizens, after referring to his lengthy public services, wished him many happy returns of the day. The signatures appended were 11,000. He also presented the native addren. The presentations were signalled by the audience standing and giviug fresh rounds of cheering. The Artillery Bauc|^ttien performed the " Kawau March*? composed by Mr Alfred Pooley, which was greatly applauded. Sir George, on rising to reply, was again received with enthusiastic cheers. He said he was unable to support the praise heaped upon him that night, when music and eloquence had been united to do honour to a single individual. It was as representing • rising nation of the young men of New Zealand; that he had received these honours, and in doing honour to him they were doing honour to themselves. EJe trusted that what had taken place that night would stimulate the youths of the country to do their best to secure tho good will of their fellow-citizens, the noblest reward any public man could receive. Sir George then referred to some touching incidents in the native war, where he had seen the Ngapuhi chiefs lay down their lives for the European* ; fighting for them when they were not able to fight their own battles. The band played the National Anthem, and afterwards escorted Sir George to the Northern Club with " Auld Lang Syne ' and other airs.

Mr« L. : "Loniie, donnoz moi an verre d'cau." Louise (the new French maid, who receives higher wages on account of her nationality) : " Faith, that must be French she's a-talkin' ; I'm done for, •hoor." Hamilton Road Board rate notice in anothtr column. Messrs S. Corhrane and Son will .tell at their rooms, Queen-street, Auckland, on Wednesday, the Kth iut., by order of the Registrar of tba Supreme Court, the farm at Whatawbata now it) the occupation of Mr sundcriaud.