SPECIAL INTERVIEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11581, 20 February 1901, Page 3

SPECIAL INTERVIEWS.

THE NEW ZEALAND NATIVES' ASSOCIATION. A CHAT WITH THE PRESIDENT. A Herald representative yesterday waited upon Mr. J. J. O'Brien, president of the New Zealand Natives' Association, with a view of ascertaining how that organisation is progressing since the extension of its objects and privileges to all Australasian-born natives.

" Would you state." asked our representative, " how the association is working under its new constitution ?"

"Admirably," was the reply. "The constitution, as you are aware, embraces all Australasian-born, and many members of the Australian Natives' Association have joined us, whilst several others have signified their intention of doing so. The new rules are now in the hands of the Revision Committee, and will be submitted to the members of the association at a special meeting to be held next week. Since our constitution was altered and extended, our progress has been fairly satisfactory, and we confidently look forward to having, in a few years, a very powerful organisation. Many people have, I am glad to say, strong leanings towards us. The subscription is trifling, and in exchange we give our members the use of this room "the conversation took place in the association's fine social and clubroom—" where they may avail themselves, as you see. of the plentiful supply of literature provided, of the billiard-table, and of a first-class piano. This room and its conveniences have been very much appreciated by our country members." " I understand that the association has extended hospitality towards some of the returned members of the New Zealand contingents ?" " Oh, yes. We have given them the use of the rooms, and have issued instructions that they should be hospitably entertained. Altogether our members make frequent use of the rooms, and are often to be seen here enjoying the advantage of social evenings in congenial company." "The appeal of the Reception Committee in connection with the visit ot the Imperial troops was heartily responded to by your association, was it not?'

" Very heartily, and very generally. I am pleased to say, further, that our services were greatly appreciated by the executive, several members of which have told me that they intend to join us. We also responded to the appeal for literature for the Imperial troops, and sent a good-sized box of books and papers along for their use on the voyage." How is the benefit scheme projected by the association progressing ?" Well, to tell the truth, I must say I have been 1 disappointed as to that. It was purely in the interests of our younger members that the scheme was formulated, but, so far, they have not taken kindly to it. The rising generation of colonials do not seem to care for friendly benefit societies, many of them preferring to join accident or insurance societies instead. The Australian Associationa very powerful body, especially in Victoria— the same difficulty at the commencement, but after a hard, uphill fight their scheme was adopted, and it has progressed ever since." " Such a scheme was not included in your original objects, was it ?" " No. Our association was established principally tor the purpose of inculcating a love of country amongst the younger people, and of developing p. patriotic spirit. We think that we are doing good in furthering such worthy objects." " What will be your attitude towards politics under the new constitution ?"

" It is our intention to identify the association more closely with politics, and so to follow in the footsteps of the Australian association. We shall eschew party politics, and go upon much broader lines, interesting ourselves chiefly in those matters winch most closely affect the welfare of our own country."" " Have you any other plans for the future '!"

" Yes. Amongst them a scheme is contemplated, which I hope to see realised, and that is the formation of committees of members of all native associations in the colony, to look after the interests of veteran colonists, who have fought for their country, and to care for the graves of those who have fallen in its defence. We are also thinking of securing photographs of our veterans—living and dead—to adorn the walls of our clubroom. In addition, we propose to supply ourselves with photographs of our statesmen."

"I understand that you do not propose to seek re.-election as president of the association."

" That is so. At the special meeting rest week it is my intention to resign. lam led to take this course owing to the fact tl-tt my partner, Mr. Leyland, is about to visit England on a nine months' leave of absence. This, of course, will necessitate my devoting my undivided attention to the business of the company. lam resigning with genuine regret, as I have been very pleased with the kindness shown to me at all times by the members of the association. lam very much attached to it, and shall, by no means relax my interest in its welfare."

" Who is likely to be the next president '!" " I understand that the present vicepresident, Mr. W. H. Churton, has been asked, but I have been told that for the present he does not wish to accept office. Mr. W. J. Ralph, who has been a very prominent and energetic member, has. 1 believe been asked to fill the position."