MR GREY'S CRITICISMS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIII, Issue 12161, 27 March 1900, Page 2

MR GREY'S CRITICISMS.

——* TO THE EDITOR. gi r> —As one not altogether in sympathy with Mr Seddon's political party, will you please permit me, to express my appreciation of his dealings with Mr Grattan Grey, chief parliamentary reporter, in regard to bis unpatriotic letter to the New York pro-Boer journal? Mr Scddon.has won the goodwill and thanks of men of all political opinions by his English loyalty and patriotism. That the sentiment is more than passing fervour is evidenced by his treatment of Mr Grey. This gentleman draws a large salary from the loyal people of New Zealand, and uses a portion of his leisure in casting contempt upon, their patriotism. The war between the Boers and Great Britain, which he entirely misrepresents from start to finish, is a war of vast importance to Great Britain and to her colonies. I have, I may assure Mr Grey, followed the Boer business for twenty-two years; and lam satisfied that we hare never entered upon a war more just and necessary. English capitalists and politicians have little to do with. it. Neither class wanted it. But it was demanded by the British people, in every part of the Empire, who realised that it was not a fight with Boers only, but with jealous and disaffected Europe, ready to take advantage of <any failure on our part. For Englishman (or British) to cast ridicule upon the determination of the Empire, in all its parts, to assert its superiority is disloyalty. No one objects to any man holding opinions opposed to the war. But when once the nation is committed to the struggle, it is disloyal, and mischievous to express them publicly. Patriotism (love of one's country) forbids any conduct which may'weaken our efforts to conquer the enemy; and thus contribute to our defeat. In the particular case in question , it is a. reflection upon a man's intelligence, or impartiality, if he cannot perceive the important issues dependent upon the war in South Africa, the downfall. of England or the triumph of freedom, justice, and peace, finding their most commanding expression in the federation of the Empire. Mr Grey's vigorously written letter deserves a severer condemnation than it has received at my hands. lam writing chiefly to express my sense of the Premier's loyal determination to have no disloyalty in highly paid places in the colony's service.—l am, etc., H. C. M. WATSONMarch 26. ;