THE NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY.

Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist, Volume 2, Issue 15, 15 November 1843, Page 4

THE NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY.

An assneiaMoh has just been formed, consisting of New Zealand Landowners and others, interested in the welfare of the New Zealand settlements, which bids lair to confer incalculable benefit upon the colony. The colonists have occasionally complained of the inactivity ot the absentee proprietor*, and not without justice. In the Neto Z-.aland Gazette of I3th July, the following observations occnr j—•* They." ("the absentees J "are sitting qui«tly by their fin-sides, calculating the money they will make in consequence of the risks the settlers have hazarded in coming b*reand the privations, necessarily 'attendant opoa forming settlements, which they have endured. The proprietors of land in South Australia, living in London, formed themselves into an association, and sought opportunities of contributing to the advancement of'the colony in which they were inteiested. Our absentees have proved one inert mass hitherto, but if they would combine, and calling themselves the associated landowners of New Zealand, ascertain the wants to be satisfied for the speedy progress of the colony, they might be most useful to the Company's settlements, and cheok the feeling of dislike which is growing apace, in consequence of the selfish indolence they have hitherto exhibited." This feeling is repeated in a private letter of recent date. "Why," says the writer, "why do not the absentee proprietors associate, and get a Loan Company, and other useful institutions formed for us ? No ! they hope to avail themselves of our industry. The absentees, iu their present state of apathy, area curse, for the towns are blaokened witb their lands. I can forsee that the great division of parties here will be—Colony versus Government and Absenteeism."—lt will be gratifying to the colonists to learn, that at the time these angry words were written, preparatory steps were being taken, having for their object the association of the landowners for promoting the welfare of the colony; and when they reached England, the < New Zealand Society' was in existence, "for promoting the interests of the landowners, th« colonists and the natives of New Zealand."—The objects of the New Zealand Society, collected from their resolutions, may be thus stated:—l. To watch over and promote the general interests of the landowners, the colonists, and the natives. 2. To suggest to, and urge upon the Government, the New Zealand Company, and the public, the adoption of such measures as may be deemed useful to the colony.—-3. To collect, record, and circulate accurate information respecting the "ondition, resouroes, and prospects of the colony; and, (as a means to the above end,) —4. To open correspondence with the several settlements in New Zealand, and with a'l parties disposed to promote the objeots of the Society. It the New Zealand Society had been in existence from the commencement of last year, many objects might have been carried into execution of great benefit to the colony. We may mention a Loan Company as one of these. The subject was brought formally before the notice of the Company as early as February last, and has been once or twice so near adoption in one shape or another that had the landowners been united, and given it their aid, tbeir weight would have turned the scale, which indeed, at the moment wanted but a feather, in favour of the institution. Bi*t the owners of sec tions were scattered here and there —no one kn e vr the other; they wete a rope of sand, incapable of action fortheir own benefit t r that of the colonist?. This evil i s now remedied ; opportunities of being, useful will aiain occur, and especially in relation to the subject of a loan company; or if they should not arise, it will be the business of the Society to make them.* For the present, a Pro* visional Committee of the Society meets every Saturday, at Mr. Watson's chambers, No. 4, Trafalgar-square, every person interested in the prosperity of the colony should become a member, and should not mer<ly be satisfied with contribute ing his sovereign, but should actively promote the oljefts. and extend the utility of the Society, by all the means within its reach. The useful* n> ss of the New Zealand Societyj—a thoroughly independent body, having interests which even the Colonial minister is bound to recognize, will shortly have scope. The state of things disclosed in this number will be fit and proper occasion for the action of the new Society.— New Zealand Journal.

• The aHvantages of an association of the kind will be found pr«"ty tully stated In the third number of the New Zealand Portfolio.