THE NATAL OUTBREAK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13146, 7 April 1906, Page 4

THE NATAL OUTBREAK.

That the danger of a native rising in Natal was not exaggerated has been unfortunately demonstrated by an outbreak that is straining to the utmost the efforts of the local authorities. The frontier in the neighbourhood of the disturbance has been in serious danger, small British forces having been beaten back by the rebels, and women and children brought to safety only at the cost of gallant lives. In this case, as in all similar cases, the entire question rests upon the ability of the British to stamp the rising out before it spreads among the tribes. For native revolts are like bush fires. In the beginning they may easily be smothered ; once they gather head it is a very different matter. The whole, situation throws a strong light upon the recent political crisis, and is the strongest possible criticism upon the action of Lord Elgin. The discontented tribes will rise against the European if they have any hope of success. They will remain quiet if they are convinced that they have found their master. There is no doubt whatever of this, nor of the influence ; , wrought upon the native mind by European hesitancy and European confidence. The one encourages him to attack; the other persuades him to remain in allegiance. That the natives should be justly treated goes without saying. That any grievances should be redressed and any claims considered is beyond dispute or, discussion. But it is no time to consider native grievances, if any, when the native is contemplating war, and must regard any concession as a sign of British fear and weakness/ This is thoroughly understood ::■ in Natal, which is dohg all that can be done to maintain, order and should be equally understood by the Imperial Government and the rest of the Empire.