NATIVES’ ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1264, 21 May 1896, Page 41

NATIVES’ ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of native-born New Zealanders foe the purpose ot f irming the Wellington branch of the Now Zealand .Natives’ Association was held in the hxchango Hall last week, Dr Chappie in the elmir. There was an attendance of about 100, amongst those present being several ladies. Several apologies for nou-attemlaueo wero received.

The Chairman, in the course of his address, said that the proposed Association was based ou the rules of tho Australian Native.,’ Association, and it was to be a mat iotial, beimlit , literary and social society. The members were to bo of three classes benefit, ordinary and honorary, and all candidates lor benefit and ordinary membership must be natives of New Zealand and of good character. Candidates for benefit membership must, in addition, bo of sound health and between the ages of Hi and 10 years. The prime object of tho movement was f> foster a national sentiim-nt and to develop that lovo of country which promotes a mil ion s greatness. In order that all might, become members on the common ground of nationality, those disturbing factors party politics and religion were excluded from the constitution. It was not proposed in any way to countenance in tho meetings or organisation party polities, or select, or run, I’.irlialiaimmtai'y candidates. But as the Association was to be largely a literary, national and social club, questions ol importance to i be .State ami national progress would be lively discussed just as they had been in the Citizens' Institute and literary societies. In forming this Association, New Zealanders were not unmindful of tho great services rendered to tho country by the early settlers. .Mr 'it. Bannister moved, and it was carried, “That this meeting resolves itself into tho New Zealand Natives’ Association.” Ho believed tho Association had a. great future before it. Mr B. A. Jlaggen moved, “That a provisional board of directors (to act as a board of management for the Colony until tho first meeting of delegates) bu appointed at a meeting lobe held that day fortnight.” This was agreed to. On tho motion of Mr S. Wafers tho Wellington branch of tho Now Zealand Natives’Association was formed, and Mr S. Wafers was appointed acting-treasurer and Mr A. 11. Bogan acting-secretary.

The following were appointed a provisional commit too to draw up a constitution, Ac.:—M rs Hi slop, Drs McKenzie and Chappie, Messrs Clark, C. Cross, K. Bannister, K. A. Hag-gen, T. WilJWd and Freeman, with 1 lie acting-treasurer and secretary.

It was decided to refer the prospectus to the committee and recommend certain alterations. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. Niagara, near the Mingusis mining township, West Australia, is hkcl.y to eoino into uii-avonrv notorie*y d better police piotootion is not provided, /it times a mob of roic/iis take possession of the toivn, and Judge Lynch tried to assert himself. A lew nights aim, in a a barmaid was struck with a bottle, whereupon infuriate I men captured her assailant, and pul a rope round his neck, but. the treeless West faded to provide a suitable, plaee to fix the rope to. 'the man’s lifo was only saved through his feigning death. A Cadiz newspaper contains a . strango aocount of the adventures of two children ill inid-Attaniic. Tho schooner Robin Hood, they report, left Newfoundland for Lisbon, with only the captain a: d his two children. '1 he captain died in mid-Atlantic, and tor eight days the two children were on boaid alone. The Robin Jlood was then Jallenin with by tho Km.-li.-ti schooner .burning, which sent them a supply of provisions and put a pilot on board, who navigated the Bourn Hood to Cadiz. An enquiry has been opened a a to tiic cinuiiir’H doatli. .. It is intended b; e.siablisli a public library in the rising town of J/anevn'Ke and at j- Nn'rite i meeting ot town-people theo-.wr evening subscriptions totalling were o'* tu,i juM,