THE CAUSES OF OUR DISASTERS IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 21, 25 January 1901, Page 2

THE CAUSES OF OUR DISASTERS IN SOUTH AFRICA.

(To the Kditor.) Sir,—lf this discussion is not yet closed, I respectfully request sufficient of your valuable space to make .exception without bias to the criticism of Dr. Bakewell, as I once bud the honour of filling a place in the ranks of the Army, and feel very proud of the same. I am astonished at. the Doctor's depreciation of Tommy Atkins, as every portion of the Army is brave and nsefiil In Its own sphere, and none more so than the honourable medical profession. I would ask the Doctor what would England be to-day were It not for Tommy? She would be subjected to the yoke of oppression of her jealous enemies—the lower orders of mankind, :)00 years behind modern progress, though clothed in the garb of democracy ami in the name of freedom. In on<> of his Utters to the "Star" Dr. Bakewell made allusion to the Englishman's obstinacy in his own convictions. I would ask him, is the Englishman not entitled to his own opinion? I am H British subject, though not British born; nor am I a metaphysician, physiologist, historian, or literary man—the latter of which is obvious. 1 do not therefore presume to inform the Doctor, who knows very well that unanimity of opinion would destroy the human race eventually, being contrary to nature, lie must therefore admit the necessity for the difference of opinion, as doctors themselves differ.

It is the opinion of the Boer that the British should be driven into the ocean. It is the opinion of the Englishman that he has a right to defend his home and possessions. It' he (the Doctor) denies us this right, I Will drop the nonsensical part 1 have taken in this discussion and leave it to your abler correspondents.

lie aiso states that tho British outnumber the Boers 10 to 1. Iv this he must be .somewhat mistaken. This case was reversed, however, in the sieges of Kimbprley. Mafoking, and Ladysmith. He also compares this war with the Peninsula

and other wars of the past, seemingly oblivious that the i-ircum-otances surrounding all those cases were dissimilar. 1 feel very proud of the result of this war, and happy to know that we nre not yet serfs, though with the extremes or wealth and poverty. Our wealth is uot -misapplied iv defence of our nation aud liberty. Begging your pardon for all-my absurdities, —I a iv, etc., WILLIAM GOUGH, An Original Tommy. Waimanku.