THE WAR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7376, 31 January 1902, Page 2

THE WAR.

PEACE SOCIETY.

Received January 31, 10.33 a.m. Sydney, January 81. The Peace Society, numbering about 100 members, has drawn up a petition expressing condemnation of the war as conducted in its later stages, in devastating the country, and declaring against the destruction of innocent life in the concentration camps, The petition modestly suggests what terms Britain should give the Boers, advocates an amnesty for all offences except murder, immediate self-government, and compensation to non-combatants. A member pointed out that the last condition would cost about forty millions, and seemed doubtful whether Britain would agree. A further revision will be made of the petition, and the compensation clause will likely be eliminated. Several strong pro-Boer speeches were made. Received January 81, 1.6 a.m. Adelaide, January 30. At the request of the Premier, the Governor cabled to Mr Chamberlain conveying the resolutions carried by a patriotic meeting upholding the Government's attitude in South Africa. Melbourne, January 30. Mr Reid called attention in the House to Lord Hopetoun's speech to the Natives' Association last week, in which he justified Mr Barton over the South African Contingent. Mr Isaacs set forth that a constitutional issue was involved, declaring, the Governor-General must not assume responsibility in Australian politics, and must not, even by accident, trespass on ground between Ministers and their responsibility.

After discussion, Mr Reid withdrew his motion to suspend the Standing Orders to consider the matter. Auckland, January 81. The Premier has arrived. He was cordially welcomed.

It has been arranged that the Eighth Contingent shall be entertained at lunch to-morrow.

The Surrey is leaving at 4 o'clock for Sydney.

Captain Major, of the Recruiting Board for the Ninth Contingent, informs us that the recruits will be drawn frcm centres and sub-centres in the following proportion :— Hawera 15, Wanganui 25, Napier 25, Gisborne 15, Palmerston North 25, New Plymouth 14, Masterton 14. Dannevirke 10, Wellington 129. Maoris or balf -caste Maoris (who are likely to be mistaken for natives) must • not be selected. The Recruiting Beard I will assemble not later than 3rd February. Selected men will join their respective battalions (at Dunedin or Auck* land) between sth and Bth February. They will provide their own blanket?, which will bfc returned to their private addresses when the battalions are mobilised. Tho height of the men is to be between sft sin and sft lOin, weight not to exceed 12st ; chest measurement, 35 inches (expanded); age, between 19 and 35 years. They must be good riders and shots, and unmarried.