THE BOERS: A VINDICATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11202, 24 October 1899, Page 3

THE BOERS: A VINDICATION.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—l have just read an arliclo in youf paper of Saturday, in which some severe things are said about the Boers as a people. I have lately lived amongst them for over two years, when I had every opportunity cf closely watching their innermost lives and habits. From first to last I saw nothing I nt. what was honourable, praiseworthy, anil admirable in the extreme. I have met licern, who, through drought, having lost thousands of sheep and goats in one season, have lived on nothing but goat's flesh, goat's milk, and pure water, not one ounce of bread passing their lips, because they could not see their way to be sure of paying for it. Let me ask how many men, aye, and men who are holding their heads high to-day in Auckland, who havo come within rooce even of the example of these samo Boers when difficulties have arisen, and probably, through their own fault, could not pay their just debts. Have they no*, retained their luxuries and continued eating their bnad buttered on both sides, and laughed, yes, laughed at their creditors? How many of New Zealand's farmers commence and end the day with prayer and praise, and ask God's blessing on every step they take through life's journey as do ! .heso Eamo Boers? How many of them are to be found regularly partaking of the sicrament beside their wives. Their reverence for that ceremony is so great that both sexes wear black when receiving it. I suppose this will lie sneered and laughed nt by many, but which is the better, deep reverence or nono at all? I am aeqainted with several wealthy Boers, whose first object is to secure a thorough and classical education for their sons and daughters. Ho much for the "unprogressive Boer," and as to their hating the English, I can tell you emphatically they do nothing of the kind. True, they have had every reason to do so, and the English have richly deserved it for their former " unjustifiable interference." Having suffered severely from fever while amongst them, I owe my life to the great loving kindness and tender nursing I received from the Boer wives, who thought it nothing to drive 50 miles to take their turn nursing me.—l am, etc., Flora Nichous