THE HERO OF MAFEKING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11372, 15 May 1900, Page 3

THE HERO OF MAFEKING.

TO TUt EDITOh. j Ys* Sir,-At various times tho New Zealand Herald lias obliged the community by being tho recipient of subscriptions when they wero for somo publio purpose, in which tho entire population of tho provincial district) of Auckland took great interest. _ It is proposed to start a publio subscription to recognise in somo slight manner tho magnificent services rendered to tho Empire by Colonel Baden-Powell, tho hero of Matcking, through whoso courageous intrepidity that town has been saved. It is suggested that a shilling subscription should bo started, which would enable thoso who aro not overburdened with worldly wealth to contribute their small offering towards a testimonial to tho idol of British people living in all parts of tho globe. Though tho Boor war has produced many heroes, no ono has won a more enthusiastic) and hearty admiration than Colonel BadenPowell. During tho siogo of Mafeking ho has commanded a small baud of colonial soldiers, who have suffered keener privations than any other of tho lato beleaguered garrisons. Ho has shown an unbreakable spirit, and ho has communicated his pluck and extraordinary endurance to his garrison in spito of the natural disappointments caused by the frequent postponement of the day of their relief. Ho has been wonderfully bold, daring, and fcrtilo in his defence, and it is generally admitted that but for the undaunted] spirit of tho man. himself Matching would havo long ago surrendered, for not only his skill as a military leader, but his personal character and unique mental qualities, so impressed the soldiers and civilians of Mafeking, that it gave (hem tho patient stubborn energy that has won tho admiration of us all. ' Tho English people owo a debt of gratitude to all the inhabitants of Mafeking, for their plucky and long-continued maintenance of British honour, under exceptional difficulties and hardships, but Colonel Baden-Powell, as the director of tho heroic band and of tho defonce, merits our very especial recognition -I am, etc., Burton- .1. DaveKkt. MANT7KAU WATER SUPPLY BOARD. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— your issuo of (ho 10th ins!., Mr. TV. J. Parker writes, taking exception to some romarks that I am reported to havo made at a meeting of tho ratepayers of the Manukau Water Supply District. Will you allow mo to state that tho Water Supply Hoard has been approached on several occasions by members of tho Remuera Road Board and oilier ratepayers, to ascertain on what terms the Water Supply Board would bo willing to provide tho Rcmuora, district with water, and a strong dosiro has been expressed to enter into somo arrangement by which a supply for Bemur.i could bo obtained. As to tho cost, I stated that tho expenses of pumping the water would bo about 5d per 1000 gallons, exclusive of the interest and sinking fund on tho money expended in tho construction of tho works, which should not bo nioro than 3d per 1000 gallons.-r-I am, etc., W. S. CocraiASE, Chairman Manukau Water Supply BoardAuckland, May 14, 1900.