THE WAR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7381, 6 February 1902, Page 2

THE WAR.

SWISS FREEMASONS REBUKED.

Received February 5, 9.51 p.m.

London, February 5. Lord Stanley stated in the House of Commons that Mrs Christian De Wet is* an inmate in a concentration camp. A Reuter message asserts that the English Grand Lodge, at the King's instance, has rebuked the Swiss Freemasons' allegations of cruelty at the concentration camps, and declared that to England's honour she undertook the care of her enemies' families.

THE VAN KUYPER INCIDENT.

Eeceived February 5, 10,40 p.m. London, February 5. Dr Van Kuyper's and Lord Lansdowne's notes are published. These jßhcw that the Dutch Government, on ts own responsibility and without the authority of the three Boer delegates in Holland or their leaders, proposed that Britain should grant the delegates safe conduct with the leaders in the field ; that the mission might hope to return in a fortnight, empowered to conclude peace.

Kuyper admitted that the delegates' present credentials were da«.ed March, 1900, and compelled them to insist on independence, not permitting the reestablishment of the status quo ante unless the mode of settling disputes was at the same time settled.

Lord Lansdowne, while appreciating the Netherlands humanity, said Britain had adhered to her intention not to accept any foreign intervention. It was open to delegates to request safe conduct through Britain, but he reserved his opinion until the precise nature of the request was disclosed. It was not at piesent clear that the delegates retain any influence with the Boers in South Africa, or any voice in their councils. Britain understood that all powers of government and negotiation were completely vested in Steyn and Schalkburger. The quickest" and most satisfactory means of settlement would be direct communication with Lord Kitchener by the leaders in the field. Britain had decided than if the leaders desired to negotiate they must do so in South Africa. For European delegates to visit South Africa would cause three months needless suffering.

ARMY SUPPLIES CONTRACTS.

Wblungton, February 5. The officers of the Farmers' Union have ascertained from tbe Premier that offers of oats for South Africa under the order recently received by the Government from the War Office muet be lodged by the 13th inst. This makes it impossible for the farmers of New Zealand to get in their offers in time. The Union authorities are urging the Government to cable to the Colonial Office a strong protest against the conditions being Bush that the farmers of this colony (as distinguished from merchants) oannot participate in the contracts, in the hope that it may be possible to procure more suitable conditions when supplies are called for in future. Received February 6, 9.5 a.m.

London, February 5. The Independence Beige is publishing Conon Doyle's pamphlet on the cause and conduct of the war refuting calumnies, but it is impossible to find publishers in Germany or Holland. A late pastor of Irene camp protests against wild indecent charges, destroying the charactsr of males and Africander girls, in order to serve lying tongues and unscrupulous pens.

An intercepted letter shows that Botha directed south a number of Boer women into tbe British lines.