FOUNDERS' KIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 11

FOUNDERS' KIN.

SOCIETY PLANNED. "DISPEL PRESENT APATHY." PRIDE IN TRADITIONS. Believing that the activities of Such a body will help to dispel existing apathy and lack of respect towards historical matters, and stimulate a pro- . per pride in family, local and national traditions, Mr. D. Hojie, Johnston, M.A. (Cantab.), of Wellington, is launching a proposal to form a\"Xew Zcalajid Founders' 'Society." Mr. Hope Johnston is founder.and ex-president of the Australasian Pioneers' Club (Sydney) and the "Manly Historical Society. The intention is that the society will be comprised of, and very strictly limited to, the direct male and female descendants of the actual founders of the original four Provinces, to whose courage, perseverance and faith in the future greatness of New Zealand is owed its founding as a British Colony. In an explanatory letter to the Editor of the "Auckland Star," Mr. Hope Johnston says that in, view of the interest that will lie temporarily aroused in the founders of next year'* Centennial celebrations, the present seems an appropriate time for the formation of the society. Its objects would be, when the transient excitement of the celebration had passed, to maintain and foster the interest then kindled in historical events and places generally, and in particular those connected with the work of the founders, in which the Government has given a praiseworthy lead. "Lack of Respect." ■ "There is, both in Australia'and New Zealand, esjicciiilly among the younger generation, n very noticeable lack of respect for historical places, old buildings, and their importance in building up an historical sense," says Mr. Hope Johnston. "National-traditions and sentiment appear to have been overlooked in the teaching of history ill their schools, where the value of sentiment and tradition Mil the character-building of a nation is, judging by results, very inadequate. "The qualifications I propose are such that they ensure that its members have fully satisfied a competent committee that they are directly descended from men or women who had settled in Auckland before December 31, 1850; in Wellington, before December .31, .1850; in Otago, before December 31, 185S; and in Canterbury, before December 31, 1800. "This society wilt be the most exclusive historical organisation in New Zealand, to which neither money nor iufluenco alone will gain admittance, and it will- increase in numbers, prestige and public usefulness and importance, if it carries out flic aims and objects for which it is founded." Objects of-the Society. The objects, the writer, adds, should be to bring into a close and united fellowship all the founders' descendants in the Dominion and overseas, by holding social gatherings; to.stimulate interest, and take an active part in all historical functions; to publish an accurate list of founders'names, dates,.of arrival, and places of first., settlement; to advocate the official recognition . of- an All-New ZealambXational Day on-February (> as "New Zealand-Day," in plafce of the various provincial anniversaries, and hold.a reception.and dinner in. its lionour.;..to help,promote, by,gifts„,and,bequests, the founding of a'New Zealand National Historical Museum; to help preserve historical places, buildings and monuments; and to maintain friendly • relationships with all historical bodies. When funds permit, it is intended to i have residential premises, and'later obtain a, Eoyal Charter by.'which'members will become "Fellows pf the Itoyal New , Zealand Founders' Society."- An cuiblcr matic badge is also proposed:;: Tim ati- ■ nual subscription is suggested= at one guinea, and it is proposed that branches should be formed in • the tour main , centres, ■ ■!'

Mr. Hop Johnston appeals to eligible people foi' their .support, either by attending an inaugural meeting to bo hchl in Wellington at a date yet to be fixed, or by comiminicnting with him at the Wellesley Olub, Wellington.