Constitutions of the National Patriotic Party of New Zealand.

Preamble.

At the present time, when the whole civilized world seems convulsed and disorganised, when, notwithstanding the various schemes which have been set afloat, and the innumerable theories which have been propounded, Morality, Prosperity, and Happiness seem to be retrograding, and Vice, Pauperism, and Misery steadily advancing. It becomes us, as intelligent beings to enquire why these things are so, and to organise and band together for the purpose of mutual protection, and searching out the truth. Man is an intellectual being, able to know the relations of manifested principles : and a moral being, with duties and responsibilities,—therefore, Truth claims Man, and nothing can be of so much importance to him as to know the truth. Knowledge is power,—the birthright of every human being. No man can have any right to withhold knowledge from his neighbour. Knowledge of man's relationship to man, and to the world, is a necessity, in order that he may be fitted to do his duty to himself and others. It is therefore incumbent upon every man, who desires to improve the social or political condition of the community, to endeavour to educate his fellows, after having formed clear ideas himself. Man is so constituted that his true happiness consists in making others happy; and it is only by striving for the rights of those who are too weak and helpless, or too torpid or disheartened to strive for themselves, that he can obtain or maintain his own.

Recognising, therefore, that "self-preservation is the first law of nature," and that in "union there is strength, we have constituted ourselves a Party, to be known as the National Patriotic Party of New Zealand," for the purpose of enlisting every intelligent resident in New Zealand in the endeavour to educate themselves and the masses of the industrial population in a national, patriotic, and self-reliant train of thought, in order that the minds of the rising generation may be protected from those great enemies of mankind—Ignorance and Prejudice, and properly equipped for the active political duties of life. Let no one imagine that he has no influence. It is the duty of every man to do what he can to forward the true and the right. Therefore, let each one claim his privileges, and not shirk his responsibilities, or by wilful neglect of the opportunities offered to him remain in ignorance. We call upon every one—upon the aged, for their advice and experience—upon the middle-aged, for their energy and firmness—and upon the young, for their hopefulness and enthusiasm. We are the People ! It is time that our voice should be heard in New Zealand, demanding an account of the stewardship of those who have been entrusted with the management of our affairs. High time that we should assemble ourselves together, in order to fit ourselves to fulfil honourably and ably those duties which devolve upon us as men, to keep in remembrance that the voice of the People is the Supreme Law, the Governing Power; and to unite as a Branch of the Universal Brotherhood of Man, for the Advancement, Honour, and Protection of our common country—New Zealand.