THE DRAIN OF WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11620, 6 April 1901, Page 4

THE DRAIN OF WAR.

In connection "with the sailing of the Seventh Contingent, which 'leaves Wellington to-day for South Africa, it is to be noticed that our contingents how differ very fundamentally from those which originally left our shores. The same purpose animates them, of course. Now, as then, our citizen soldiers go to uphold the Empire and to ':■ secure the peace of our nation. But in the beginning our lads marched out to strengthen ; the ; fighting line and swell the Imperial army; nOw, they go as relief to take the places of those who have been long at the front and are justly entitled to 'return. The drain upon New Zealand's industrial strength which the war once made has largely ceased. We are still losing brave men ,by death and sickness, and these : sad losses; have to be made good. But the greater number of those who how leave us are; counterbalanced by those returning or to return. We are now simply keeping ,up the number of our levies, and must do this however long the war may last. But unless something unforeseen happens, unless some extraordinary complication faces the King to call upon us for further assistance, ho great sac* | riflces are how required. This is very ; satisfactory, and should be ! clearly understood. For willingly as we sent our contingents to war, and willingly as we would double or i treble the number in case of need, We have all been waiting eagerly for the cessation of bloodshed. The changed nature of our 'contingents shows that the end is getting, very near, even though it is ; not coming as suddenly as we once hoped and expected.