NEW ZEALAND NATIVES' CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10832, 16 August 1898, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NATIVES' CONFERENCE.

[by TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Monday. At the New Zealand Natives' Conference today, Mr. Baume, of Auckland, was elected president. It was decided that persons of either sex over 18 may be members, and that the formation of female branches is permissible, no honorary members to be allowed; that a child born at sea and resident in the colony is eligible for membership. There was some discussion as to who was entitled to the position of president. Mr. lkuine claimed it on the ground that Auckland was the parent association. Dr. Chappie, Wellington, contested this, urging that Wellington was the parent association ; but eventually gave way, because he said he had heard that Mr. Baume had threatened to go back to Auckland to-morrow if he was not recognised as president. »There was a long discussion as to where the headquarters of the association should be fixed, some members considering Wellington most convenient, and others being in favour of movable centres. The vote was against Wellington by 5 to 4, but objection was taken to Mr. Baume voting both for Auckland and Thames. ' Eventually it was agreed to refer the matter to Sir Maurice O'Rorke for decision, and further debate was adjourned till to-morrow.