IN DEFENCE OF BOER WOMEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7190, 7 January 1902, Page 4

IN DEFENCE OF BOER WOMEN.

A Mastertonian writes to the Wairarapa Times from Pretoria: A great deal of correspondence is appearing in Home and Colonial papers in reference to tho heavy mortality amongst the refugees concentrated in camps throughout South Africa. One of the most incorrect reasons given by some writers, for the heavy death rate istho alleged filthy habits of Boor women. In the JOerksdorp location there are 8000 women and children congregated, all liviug in military tents. The sanitary arrangements are bad, for the riyer flowing close by cannot bo polluted. Wood is not procurable, the quantity of coal issued to each family is limited, and, wot or dry, ail cooking has to be cloiio outside. Now for purposes of comparison, drag 8000 women and children from their homes in the Wairarapa, and dump them clown on the Ruamahunga and place them in exactly the same Dosition as the refugees are here. Then imagine the result. The unfortunate Boer women deservo tho sympathy rather, tlwn the censure of critics.