THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 111, 12 May 1902, Page 2

THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS.

(To the Editor.)

■Sir.—-The ladies' report on tha. above seems to be an unknown quart* tity. Tbe remarks attributed to Mrs Fawcett in the "Christian World, from which you quote, do not pretend to be a summary of their official statement, and make no reference to the high death rate causes. The article mentioned by me in ntf previous letter was by Dr. Rentoul of Victoria, whose widespread reputation would render any attempt at falsification impossible. He says that the mortality is accounted for by tbe ladies in their published report by the following facts:—l| Tbe insanitary and pestilential sou and surroundings in which the camps have been placed by the military, authorities. (2) Lack of attention w sanitary conditions by some of tha Boer women. (3) An insufficient supply of doctors and nui^es. (4)-Thtf carelessness of the military author-, ities and administrators of the camps in the selection of sites, or in securing water fit for drinking, or securing any sanitary conditions. Under eaca of these headings he makes very caustic remarks, and quotes passages from the report, such as this: b* .^ome camps very impure water was used even in the dispensaries, unboiled and uniiltered." He proceed^ to state that the ladies' committee demands the following remedial me*' sures: (1) Tbe appointment .« proper inspectors. (2) Increase and improvement of rations. (3) A pr°* per supply of doctors and nurses' (4) The provision of boilers ts|S| vide drinkable water. These remedial measures being all much r. feasible in Cape Colony and .!**•« than on the veldt, why should .»»» the Transvaal camps be transferred* —I am, etc., **••"'.

[Mr Thomas Allen sends us another communication on this subject, _h encloses a letter lately received from bis son at Heilbron, Orange JU?£. Colony. We think, however, that tw» correspondence has run long enow* especially as it shows a tendencyP& de^eneraJ-e into personalities.—£<?« *