[Editor: This article, by Mr. J. M. Chanter, regarding the proposed federation of the state branches of the Australian Natives’ Association, was published in The Advance Australia (Melbourne, Vic.), 15 March 1909.]
Federal board.
By Mr. J. M. Chanter, M.H.R., ex-Chief President, New South Wales.
After many years, the question of the various branches of the Australian Natives Association throughout the Commonwealth uniting together and establishing a federal board or central executive to deal solely with matters of vital interest to the whole, which cannot be so well performed by the boards acting separately in each State, is again being revived.
When this matter was last considered at a conference of State boards some years since, I gave the matter my hearty support, as then president of the executive board of New South Wales, and I am again pleased to join in assisting those who desire to see it happily consummated.
There are many weighty reasons why this proposed board should be established, which will, I trust, appeal to all true natives and patriots of their native land. The disunion existing in the past between the then separated colonies, with all their attendant evils, appealed strongly to the Australian Natives Associations when they wisely determined to advocate, with all their might and main the joining together of these separated parts into one grand federal unity. To their credit, the unity now existing is largely due to the united support and splendid advocacy they then brought to bear on this great question of federal union.
Similar reasons exist now for the establishment of a federal board, and I sincerely trust the matter will be taken up in the same whole-souled manner as then led on to victory, in the case of the late disunited colonies.
Each association is now working under somewhat dissimilar circumstances, and as the State of Victoria is the parent association, and embraces the largest number of members, they should take the lead in this great and vital question. I would, therefore, suggest that they take the initiative by inviting the boards in other States to send delegates to a conference, to be held in some central position, to discuss the matter; agree upon a federal constitution for the board, to be afterwards submitted to the several State boards for their approval and ratification.
Without going into detail, it must be very apparent to all those who have given the matter any consideration the advantages of a federal board, with authority to act in all matters of a general Australian interest would be very great, and the necessity for its exercise often occurs. This would not only apply in those cases where the very existence of the association, as a medical benefit association, has and is being severely attacked, but in other matters also, where want of uniformity in our laws exist, leading to confusion and certain loss of power.
Then, again, there are subjects of national importance to the whole of Australians, in which the united voice of Australian natives would be a large factor in bringing about desired results. Prominent amongst those subjects is the adequate defence of Australia. The late Prime Minister, the Hon. Alfred Deakin, made this a prominent and foremost plank in his Government policy and I sincerely trust his successor and colleagues will also place it in a foremost position for consideration and prompt action.
With defence is connected, also, the necessity of taking over and having occupied the now waste lands of the Northern Territory. This, I think, will be found to be absolutely necessary, if we desire to retain this country, as the home of the white races only.
The public require to be educated as to the immediate necessity for legislation to give effect to these national desires and requirements. In that education, I feel certain, a federal board, speaking for the natives as a whole throughout the Commonwealth, would have great weight and effect.
I then appeal to my fellow natives throughout the Commonwealth to at once give these matters (with others not now stated) their earnest and mature consideration, and take such action in their several branches as will ensure the speedy establishment of a properly constituted federal board, uniting the brotherhood as a whole into a strong and active band of patriots, speaking with one voice, and acting unitedly together, to ensure the future welfare and happy, prosperous possession of the great heritage handed down to us, and which we can only hope to retain and hold by determined and united action.
J. M. CHANTER.
House of Representatives.
Source:
The Advance Australia (Melbourne, Vic.), 15 March 1909, pp. 56
Editor’s notes:
Alfred Deakin = Alfred Deakin (1856-1919) Victorian parliamentarian 1879-1900, federal parliamentarian 1901-1913, and second Prime Minister of Australia (he served for three separate terms as Prime Minister: 1903-1904, 1905-1908, and 1909-1910); he was born in Collingwood (Melbourne, Vic.) in 1856, and died in South Yarra (Melbourne, Vic.) in 1919
See: 1) R. Norris, “Alfred Deakin (1856–1919)”, Australian Dictionary of Biography
2) “Death of Mr. Deakin: Brilliant career ends: Thrice Prime Minister”, The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), 7 October 1919, p. 1
3) “Alfred Deakin”, Wikipedia
Commonwealth = the Commonwealth of Australia; the Australian nation, federated on 1 January 1901
J. M. Chanter = John Moore Chanter (1845–1931), storekeeper, farmer, auctioneer, and politician (with the Protectionist, Labor, and Nationalist parties); he was born in Adelaide (South Australia) in 1845, and died in Caulfield (Melbourne, Victoria) in 1931
See: 1) G. N. Hawker, “John Moore Chanter (1845–1931)”, Australian Dictionary of Biography
2) “John Chanter”, Wikipedia
M.H.R. = Member of the House of Representatives (someone elected to the lower house of federal parliament)
native = (in the context of Australia) a native-born Australian, an Australian-born person, (in an historical context) an Australian-born white person; can also refer to an Australian Aborigine
whole-souled = wholehearted; demonstrating, giving, or showing committed, enthusiastic, and unconditional support
[Editor: Added a full stop after “Northern Territory”.]
[Editor: The original text has been separated into paragraphs.]
Leave a Reply