NEW ZEALAND'S CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11201, 23 October 1899, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND'S CONTINGENT.

The despatch of the contingent which this colony is sending to South Africa was on Saturday the occasion of a display which is a credit to the colony. We must in this matter accord great praise to the Premier. He has from the first taken the project up 'heartily, and has carried it through with energy and skill. With the exception of but a single voice, Parliament was unanimous on the subject, and we are convinced that throughout the country the objectors are few in number, and are quite insignificant otherwise. There is no doubt that for years past the Dutch in South Africa have been plotting to oust British rule, the Dutch settlers of the Cape looking to the Transvaal and the Orange Free State to lead the revolt. The refusal of civil rights to the best part of the residents in the Transvaal was a convenient opportunity. For Great Britain to give way would simply be ruinous to the Empire. And as we showed on Saturday, the occupation of the Cape by a hostile Power would be most immediately detrimental to the colonies of Australasia, and would place all their commerce ir. a very insecure position. It is not only right for us to approve of the action of the Government of Great Britain, but it is obligatory upon us to assist them in bringing this war to a successful issue. The Premier deserves the thanks of every man in the colony for his energetic action. We are sure that it is the universal wish that this expedition shall be carried through in no niggardly spirit. The display at Wellington on Saturday was a colonial one, and manifested the enthusiasm of the colony. The men o the contingent will realise that in going to a service of great danger they go with the sympathy and approval of all those they have left behind.