THE HERO OF MAFEKING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11373, 16 May 1900, Page 4

THE HERO OF MAFEKING.

In our yesterday's impression Captain Daveney suggested a shilling subscription for the purpose of presenting to Colonel Baden-Powell, the hero of Mafeking, something which should show him how we have watched his splendid defence of the little place, and how we admire his courage, his high spirit, and his ability. We cordially endorse the proposal, and shall be glad to receive the necessary shillings for the purpose. The siege of Mafeking has lasted since the middle of October, and has been conducted very fiercely throughout. The first Boer commander in charge of the investing force was the cruel Cronje, now a captive at St. Helena, and when he Ml for Kimberley he was succeeded by Commandant Snyroan, who seems very much the same kind of man. Colonel BadenPowell, from the beginning, saw what he was in for, and made every provision for the worst. The place had not sufficient stores, but through the exertions of Baden-Powell and Lord Edward Cecil, a son of Lord Salisbury, a considerable amount was secured for the town before the investment was completed. For the payment of these, Lord Edward Cecil had to pledge his personal credit. The preparations made at Mafeking were a contrast to the carlessness evident at Ladysmith. A railway was made right round the town, and fortifications were erected wherever they were necessary. The consequence has been that the Boers have never made a general assault on the place, such a,s was made on Ladysmith on January 6. They have been content with continuous bombardment. But all the stores which wero available for Mafeking were insufficient for the length of time during which the siege has lasted, and the sufferings which the people have endured during the last few weeks must have been great, such, indeed, as ono does not like to think of. But all through BadenPowell has kept up his spirits, and has managed to keep up the spirits of the garrison. He has always a

cheerful word. Day by day, and even hour by hour, we look for the deliverance, for the termination; of this scene :of suffering .and' death. Some time since Lord Roberts sent a message to Baden-Powell that he must hold out till the Queen's Birthday, and then afterwards the date of j May 18 was fixed. That is Friday next, and we pray that the siege may not be prolonged a day beyond that. We listen eagerly to every report of the movements of the relieving columns over the dreary veldt, and hope that even by now the besieged may be listening to the artillery of the relieving force, or that their eyes may be gladdened by the sight of Drummond's troopers galloping in while the Boers scatter in dismay. The whole Anglo-Saxon world will acclaim the gallant leader, and will delight to do him honour. Australia proposes to give him the best troop horse which money can buy, with a sword of honour. New Zealand surely will do something to show that we can appreciate a gallant and a kindly man when we see him. Let us have these shillings, and then a committee can be appointed to consider what we can give to the man whom the whole world will delight to honour.