Preface.

Having taken the initial step and a prominent part in establishing the National Association of New Zealand, which now embraces in its membership many of the most loyal, able, and intelligent men of all ranks in the Colony, I desired to place on record an exposition of its aims and objects.

The first edition of these articles that appeared in The New Zealand Herald was written without the official cognizance of the Association; but the articles being deemed worthy of republication I cheerfully consented, at the request of the Council of the Association, to their appearing in the more permanent form in which they are now presented.

I hope they will stimulate to renewed efforts all patriots who are endeavouring to rescue New Zealand from the control of those political adventurers who have purchased popularity and power by class legislation. If we combine and are loyal to each other we have nothing to fear,—"United we stand, divided we fall."

F. G. Ewington.