N.Z. NATIVES’ ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 272, 11 August 1921, Page 8

N.Z. NATIVES’ ASSOCIATION

ATTEMPT TO REVIVE INTEREST. Tho New Zealand Natives’ Association was formed some time ago, but has been inactive for the past twelve montlis or more, na it was considered that the time was inopportune for activity for a varictv of reasons. Last night, at the annual meeting held in Dustin's Room, Cuba Street, a special effort was made to revive interest in the association. Mr. C. M'lntvre presided over a sparso-Iv-attonded meeting, and in opening the proceedings said that it was time New Zealanders took a keener interest in affairs. They had the brains and the enerev to hold their own. and it required some organisation to attend to such matters. In the wist the association had proved itself very useful, and with a good' executive thev would be ablo to continue their usefulness. It should not be lone before they had New Zealanders in Parliament and on local bodies throughout tho country. In Wellington thev had about a thousand members and it was intended to form branches of the association throughout both islnmla Tho Mavor (Mr. R. A. Wright) pointed out that New Zealand soldier* who took part in the Great War were regarded bv eminent generals as being amongst the finest: of soldiers, and tho civilian population of Britain, with whom our men camo in contact, spoke of them as being gentlemen. New Zealanders had for their nnrents somo of tho finest men and women who ever trod tho earth. The pioneers were sturdy, courageous, and determined, and they had left them a glorious heritage; it was their duty to preserve that heritage. Ho wished the association every success. Mr. James Toomath was appointed sccre.tarv. Nominations wore taken for tho executive committee, and an election is to bo held at a later meeting.