its virtues to its consequences: 'the time had arrived when they must either assist the mother country, or set out on life's journey by themselves'. England's motives in establishing the colonies had been 'selfish', 'to deliver the offscourings of her civilisation upon the shores of Australia'. Australia desired nothing more than to be 'one of the brightest jewels in an Imperial Crown', but 'if our wishes continued to be disregarded … England would run a mighty risk of losing us altogether. (Cheers)'. These were themes that he would bring to the association as its Chief President in 1888 and again in 1889: a time known by his friends and foes alike as 'the reign of the Emperor'. Despite never having held office within the association. His two years as Chief President were marked more by oratorical fireworks than by constructive leadership. Conservatives denounced him – and the nativism of the association – as disloyal to the British Empire; republicans wavered between praising his claims for Australian independence, and condemning him as a covert imperialist. But the association grew in members and branches under his leadership, and his oratory aroused in its members a strong sense of responsibility for their country's future. Across the 1890s Purves was active and effective in the long crusade to persuade Victorians to support Australian federation, but he never took on a leadership role; he had no patience with negotiations and compromises. He failed to be elected to the Victorian delegation to the Federal Conventions of 1897–1898, but was prominent in the dramatic crusading and canvassing in the last days before the first federal referendum. Sport Purves was also prominent in Victorian sporting circles as an owner of fine race-horses, a champion shot, and a keen lawn-tennis player and a yachtsman. Later years Purves continued to represent clients in court in later years. He died at his residence Wangenella in Rockley Rd South Yarra on 24 November 1910. He is buried in the St Kilda Cemetery. References 1843 births 1910 deaths Members of the Victorian Legislative Assembly Australian barristers Australian King's Counsel Politicians from Melbourne Alumni of King's College London Alumni of Trinity College, Cambridge