"A DANIEL COME TO JUDGMENT."

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 17, 21 January 1901, Page 4

"A DANIEL COME TO JUDGMENT."

Christian de Wet is reported to be anxious to shoot Paul Botha. As an argument this may sound illogical, but no one will be at all surprised by it who read Botha's pamphlet on the Boer War. The author is a Free State burgher, who for more than twenty years has represented Kroonstadt in the Volksraad. He is evidently an intelligent man, "with strong1 national prejudices; and his views are likely to be disinterested enough. It is to be hoped that all pro-Boers will consider with attention his opinions on the South African difficulty.

There is a great deal more in the book than the attack on Ivruger, which has been already published by the "Daily Mail." Headers of "The Tnaoisvaal from Within," and "The Rise and Fall of Krugei-ism," do not require fresh accumulations of evidence to prove that the government of the Transvaal was unprincipled and corrupt, though it is rather a relief to hear in a Boer's own words that Kruger is "an avaricious, unscrupulous, and hypocritical man, who sacrificed an entire people to his cupidity." But most of Mr Botha's reflections are of a less personal nature. He goes to the root of the whole trouble when h.6 points to England's mistake in refusing the responsibility of governingSouth Africa, -Under no other flag, he says, is peace or prosperity possible for the country. As a Free State burgher, he has had considerable ex-

perience in dealing wifh the Transvaal, and personally he would much prefer to have political and business relations with "our enemy the English." Zso English writer has condemned more bitterly than this typical Boer the unscrupulous agitation by which his ignorant countrymen have been misled, and the weakness with whicii England in past years has evaded the manifest duty of grappling with the danger. Even now, he thinks, the war is prolonged solely througS the ascendancy maintained by Be Wet and ihis colleagues over|sheir followers. With the rank and file of the Boers still in ai*ms it is, says Botha, quite futile to negotiate. Densely ignorant and childishly fanatical, they are encouraged by a gang of desperate outsiders who have nothing to lose and perhaps something to hope i'or by causing as much trouble as they can make before the inevitable end. One of Botha's own sons was taken prisoner by De Wet because he had laid down his arms, and while in the Boer laager he learned, among other interesting historical facts that China had successfully invaded England,that 60,000 Russians, French, and Americanswweer c on their way to help De Wet, and that God was slaying the English all over the world with the bubonic plague. Men who will solemnly believe this sort of thing are not intellectually fit for argument. But De.Wet himself does not seem to Botha much more reasonable. Bo*ha went with the Commissioner of Kroonstadt a short time back to open negotiations with De Wet as to the possibility of peace; and the great Boer o-uerilla leader, after asserting that tlie English were only too anxious to make terms, stated as an indispensable preliminary that the independence of the two Republics must be guaranteed. It is a pity that men of Botha's intelligence have not had more influence hi the Boer councils. For the so-called pro-Boers he feels little but indignant contempt. To Mr W. T. Stead, Dr. Clark, and Mr Labouchere he says: "Leave us to ourselves in peace; you do not understand us or the requirements of our country." Unfortunately, the gentlemen ■addressed are not in the least likely to take such excellent advice.

An accident, which happened at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, one evening last week, caused some excitement amongst the Maori residents. A horse attached to a sledge bolted over the Puarenga bridge and up through the native settlement, and fell into a big boiling mudhole alongside the path. The unfortunate animal was boiled to death in a few seconds. The hole was fenced in, but the railing was carried away by the horse in his rush.

Mr. E. Bartley, architect, has made a visit of inspection to the granite area at Cape Colville, in order to report on its capability of supplying a suitable building stone for use in the erection of the new St. Matthew's Church in Auckland. He found that though it was not a true granite it is a very high-class stone, and fully equal to granite for building purposes. He is satisfied that it will prove an excellent substitute for Victorian and Timaru building stone. There is an almost unlimited supply close tq deep water.

Mr. Josiah Martin, the well-known photographer, returned to Rotorua a few days ago after exploring, in company with Mr. Matthews, Chief Forester, a very interesting but almost unknown thermal region in the vicinity of the Paeroa range. A Maori guide escorted them from Waiotapu to the springs, which lie at the back of Maungaongaonga. A whole series of hot springs emerge from a wall of rock here. The principal sight is a creek of boiling water, which rushes down between beautiful banks of ferns for several chains. The. surroundings are exceedingly beautiful, and Mr. Martin considers this hotwater river, which is known to the natives as Waikite, is one of the most fascinating sights in the whole of the Thermal Springs district. There are a great many interesting sights in this area, which is never visited by tourists, and it is considered that it will in time to come, when roads are made, be one of the principal attractions of the district. Mr. Martin believes that these springs near the base of Paeroa Mountain are some of those described by Dr. Hochstetter in his work on New Zealand forty years ago.

A successful trial of the Crown cream separator was given on Friday last by Mr S. F. Pond, the English representative of the manufacturers, at the warehouse of the agents, the Loan and Mercantile. Mr Pond first explained the mechanism of the separator, and after-wards it wras shown working. All the available space near the machine was packed with dairy farmers and those interested, many coining from a distance to witness the trial. A great feature of this machine is its easy running free wheel, this alone saving the first cost. Directly the pressure is taken ofE the handle the gear stops, only the bowl revolving, thus saving a minimum amount of wear. (Complicated gear is entirely done away with in the Crown separator. The efficiency and great capacity of this machine impressed those present. I; eaji be dismantled in under 30 seconds, and is so simple that an onlooker was able to put it together correctly without any previous experience. The agent claims that the Crown separator is the cleanest skimming machine on the market, as well as the cheapest, can be understood by anyone, and may be turned by a child. The Crown separator has within a few months taken upwards of fifty prizes, and, it is stated, beat the world in the working competition at the Paris Exhibition. Full particulars regarding this separator may be obtained from the Loan and Mercantile Agency, or from Mr 11. McClelland.

Mr Tasley, Collector of Customs at Gisborne, held an inquiry on Friday into the loss of the man Eckhard overboard from the ship Grace Harwar on Dec. 26. while caught in a storm off Hawke's Bay. Th e captain said he saw Eckh-ard hanging on by the wea« ther mainbrace, and ordered him aft to the poop ladder, which he tried to reach, but slipped whilst taking off one of his boots and went overboard. This was the last seen of him. It was impossible, owing to the heavy sea running, to do anything to save him. This was substantiated by three members of the crew.

The Auckland Tailora' Union will hold their adjourned half-yearly meeting- this evening1 in the Tailoresses' Hall Cook-st,

In answer to continual inquiries for the Christmas number of the "Graphic," the publishers wish to state again that the final edition of tlie popular annual was exhausted some time ago, the sale this year having exceeded all previous records. No copies of the number therefore can be had. Arrangements "have been made, however, for printing a special edition of the coloured presentation plate "The Native Birds of New Zealand." which was one of the most attractive features of the Christmas "Graphic," and these pictures will be sold for sixpence each to any person who pur.chases a copy of the weekly issue of the "Graphic." Those desirous of securing a copy of a picture that is now famous should take early advantage of this offer, and make application "at the "Star" office, booksellers, or "Star" agents in town and country.

It is reported at Rotorua that one of the prettiest bite of scenic beauty in th e Lakes district is threatened with destruction, liiis is the beautiful stretch of native bush which extends from Lake Rotoiti to Rotoehu, and through which the coach road runs. It is stated that the native owners of the bush, winch is about a mile and a half long, extending to the side of Matawhaui-a Mountain, are leasing it to a firm of sawmillers for the sake of the rimu and totara trees which it contains, and that a sawmill will shortly be erected. It is a question whether the natives (the Ngatipikiao tribe) have not the legal right to dispose of their timber, but it is considered by those who know and admire this piece of bush that the Government should pay them a fair sum as compensation and take the land and timber over as a forest and scenic reserve. Mr Josiah Martin, Mr C. E. Nelson (of Whakarewarewa), and others are interesting themselves in the preservation of this bush, and intend making representations to the Government on the subject. It is suggested that the Government should be asked to gazette . an announcement that they intend purchasing the block. This would prevent the bush being dealt with in an undesirable way. At the same time the Government are not blameless in the matter of bush destruction, for some of the prettiest parts of this forest, near the Taupo creek, at the Itotoiti end, ha-s been cut down in order to form a township site. It is most desirable that this bit of bush, which is full of historical associations, as well as of natural beauty, should be kept in its pristine state. The coach road through the bush follows closely on the old path known as "Hongi's track," which was cut by the great Ngapuhi chief Hongi upwards of SO years ago when he dragged his canoes over to Eotoiti in order to attack the Arawa tribe. Just now, when the Government are beginning to re-forest the Thermal district, it would be a most regrettable thing to allow any of the native forest to be destroyed.

Mr. 0. Wells, contractor for the extension to the Victoria wharf, Devonport, -has intimated to the Perry Company that he expects to have the face of the wharf completed by Wednesday evening" next, so that the ferry steamers may use the same. This Will enable the company to resume their running to the lower wharf. A notification to that effect appears in our advertisement columns.

Dr. J. Logan Campbell intends being present at the parade of the Nc. 1 Battalion of Rifle Volunteers in the Drill Hall this evening, in order tc present two medals, won by volunteers in connection with the rifle competitions for the Campbell Belt and the Campbell challenge vase. The former medal was won by ColourSergeant Atkinson, of the Auckland Rifles, and the other by Cadet Bussey. The veteran donor will say a few words to the volunteers on the subject of rifle shooting. Dr. Campbell recently presented £25 to the volunteer authorities for field-firing competition, and has now made the further offer, conditional on the first competition, that for firing at torgets in the water, being held within three months; that he will give another £25, for field-firing competitions on land, at unknown distances, the firing to be open to all corps in the garrison armed with rifles.

A meeting of Maori chiefs of the Arawa and allied tribes was to commence at Rotorua to-day in order to make arrangements for the annual session of the "Kotahitanga," or union of native tribes, whic his to be held at Rotorua in March. One of the principal visitors is the high chief Te Heuheu, of Taupo, who is accompanied by a number of his people. It is probable that the meeting will discuss the question of according a reception to the Duke of York should he visit the colony. The Arawa and Taupo natives are very anxious to give a very cordial welcome to the Queen's grandson in order to demonstrate their loyalty, and it is suggested that a great meeting of the tribes be held at Rotorua for the purpose and in order to greet the Duke after the custom of the Maoris. Te Heuheu is anxious to arrange a big meeting, and says he will bring up his people from Taupo to attend it.

In our advertisement columns today is announced an art union of water coloxir drawings of Njfw Zealand scenery, by Mr C. Aubrey, the artist. /The collection of paintings comprises sixty pictures, all handsomely mounted and framed, and the art union will be drawn about the middle of February, on a date to be announced. An inspection of the pictures which are on view at several places in the city mentioned in the advertisement, should ensure for the art union the liberal patronage of the public.

A telegraph office will be opened at the Hutt racecourse on Tuesday, Thursday and' Saturday next, 22nd, 24th and 26th insts, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ponsonby Navals' inspection takes place at the Forts to-night.

Ladies' white and flannelette underclothing; special value in travellers' samples—All reduced at Smith and Caughey's clearance fair.—Ad. A big parcel of kid gloves, reduced from Iredale's price, 2/11J to 1/6, 4button kid gloves 1/ per pair, ladies' fabric gloves from 6d, Iredale's 4/6 gloves reduced to 2/11, at Court Bros.' great sale of Iredale's stock.—(Ad.) Ladies' corsets and natural wool underclothing all greatly reduced at Smith and Caughey's clearance fair.— Ad. Ladies' white and coloured -underskirts, dressing-gowns, and jackets, all reduced —A-t Smith and Caughey's clearance fair. —Ad,

Satins reduced to 4jd, silks to 9J<l and 1/; Iredale's 7/11 silk-sold for 2/11 at Court Bros.' great sale of Iredale's stock.—(Ad.) Immense stock of baby linen, children's frocks, pelisses, and coats, all reduced at Smith and Caughey's clearance fair. —Ad. Children's pinafores, millinery, sua hats and bonnets, all marked at prices to clear—At Smith and Caughey'a great clearance fair. —Ad. \ Trimmed hats. Iredale's price 50/, reduced to 12/6; sailor hats, college, straws, black bands, 9d and 1/; fancy straws, trimmed roses, black net riubon, velvet, etc., 8/31; a job line of hats and bonnets at Id, at Court Bros.' great sale of Iredale's stock.—(Ad.) All gents' summer clothing heavily; reduced during Smith and Caughey's clearance fair; gents' holiday sui(3 5/11, trousers 1/11 and 2/11; khaki trousers 2/11. —Ad. A-splendid line of youths' all-wool Kaiapoi tweed suits to be cleared at 13/11, during Smith and Caughey's summer fair. —Ad. Ladies waist satchels, Iredale's prica. 1/, 1/6, 1/11, for 3Jd, 4id, and 6d;_ hand-made lace collars reduced from 4/6 and 4/11 to 2/0 and 2/9; boys' •; American collars reduced from 1/3 to Tid; real Torchon lace collars 6d each, at Court Bros.' great sale of lredale!s stock—(Ad.) Immense reductions in boys' cloth* ing.—Washing blouses 1/6 and 1/11, - serge sailor suits 2/11, youths' tweed suits 6/11, khaki Norfolk suits 4/11—• At Smith and Caughey's great clear-' ance fair.—Ad. Men's- serge suits reduced to 14/6, strong tweed trousers to 2/11, denim: trousers to 2/8, during Smith arid Caughey's clearance fair.—Ad. A big line Of traveller's samples iv ladies' and children's hose 3d per pair;; ladies' hemstitch handkerchiefs 1/6 per doz; children's 1/; 4 fancy collars and cuffs, Iredale's price 1/11 for 9£d per set, at Court Bros.' great sale of Iredale's stock. —(Ad.) A splendid line of youths' all-wool Kaiapoi tweed suits will be cleared at 13/11 during Smith & Caughey's clearance fair. —(Ad.) ['/.-' Boys' washing blouses reduced tan 1/6 and 1/11; serge sailor suits tof 2/11; and youths' tweed suits to 6/11, during Smith & Caughey's clearance fair.—(Ad.) Suede gloves, newest shades, at halfprice; Dent's gloves at English prices;; kid gloves, slightly spotted, 6d per' pair; ladies' ribbed hose 4i per pair, at Court Bros.' great sale of Iredale's stock.—(Ad.) Men's serge suits reduced to 15/11* ; and men's strong tweed trousers to 2/11 during Smith &. Caughey's great summer fair.—(Ad.) Boys' khaki Norfolk suits reduced to 4/11 during Smith & Caughey's clearance fair. —(Ad.)