Chav. Xn. EXCLUSIVE CLUB AT ^VELLINGTON. 301 
to be wondered at that society at large should conclude 
that they too can send the people who hang unpleasantly 
on their friendship to a place where their demerits will 
be connived at or unknown. 
Against this class we early made some provision by 
the institution of the Club, on which I dwelt shortly 
in my former pages. Any new-comer is admissible as 
an honorary member for three months, on being pre- 
sented and seconded by two members and approved of 
by the Committee. If he wish to become a member, 
his name has to be posted with that of his proposer 
and seconder for a month, and he is then balloted 
for. 
So near the penal colonies of Australia, where loose 
characters abound, this was a most necessary measure. 
Although very quiet and hidden in its operation, it 
has tended very much to preserve a high British tone 
in the society of Wellington, and even of the other 
settlements of Cook's Strait, whose best inhabitants 
become honorary members of the Club during their 
visits to Wellington. Although this club was at first 
assailed with much derision and loud abuse of its aris- 
tocratic character as unsuited to the tastes and feelings 
of the majority, it has steadily maintained its station ; 
and possesses by this time an undoubted power of de- 
termining the claim of a new man to the respect and 
confidence of society. It has, in fact, scarcely any 
other object ; for several married men belong to it, who 
hardly ever use it is a club except when some visitors 
of importance are invited guests, or when some business 
matter requires their attendance. Some idea may be 
formed of its very exclusive character, when it is known 
that there are to this day only 25 members, although 
the number is not limited. This club has probably 
contributed in great measure to preserve the tone of 
