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[Federal Parliament of the Cook Islands] : Addresses to Sir George Grey

(London, T.F. Unwin, [1898])

Folio; original grey cloth; title blocked in gilt on upper board; unpaginated (pp. 12). Free endpapers and text pages loose, but all present; endpapers foxed; sporadic, light foxing elsewhere. Very uncommon: Found in the British Library, but a WorldCat search reveals just one further repository with the work in microform. The slim volume contains a facsimile of the explanatory letter from the British Resident to Sir George Grey, expressing the sentiments of the islanders upon their learning of Grey's retirement from public life, and is followed by a facsimile of the letter by the Leader of the Council of Chiefs, Makea Ariki, and its English translation (also a facsimile of the original manuscript). Whatever Grey's limitations as a governor in South Africa and New Zealand (he was accused of accomodating natives at the expense of colonists, and of being autocratic in his behaviour), these letters testify to what may be considered his greatest achievement, the goodwill he established with tribespeople throughout his career through his nativistic policies. "During his [first] administration of eight years (1846-54), Grey governed New Zealand in a successful though autocratic manner. He acted with expedition and spirit; the Maoris were sympathetically treated, the colonists less so. … His ability to learn native languages and the interest he showed in doing so earned him the respect of native peoples." (DSAB 1, pp. 327, 331) Excerpts from the letters in 'Addresses to Sir George Grey' follow: "Permit me to add that the address gives but feeble expression to the strong feeling exhibited on every side during its consideration." - Frederick J. Moss, British Resident, Rarotonga. "We have read in the New Zealand papers of your retirement from the Parliament of that Country which has helped us so generously in building up our Government. Our word to you O Grey is this: We wish you happiness and health and to know that our love goes forth with this letter. We wish to tell you that your name will never be forgotten by the Maori people in these islands. Many of us knew you in New Zealand but all have heard of the great things done by you for European and for Maori in that country. May God's blessing rest upon you and give peace and happiness to you who have done so much for the peace and the happiness of others in your long and honored life." - Makea Ariki, Chief of the Government.

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