OPEN COLUMN

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4313, 23 March 1901, Page 7

OPEN COLUMN

NEW ZEALAND AND THE WAR. Our connection with tho war in South Africa has (writes “Veteran”) assumed a very serious phase indeed. The direct financial side of the question is by no means the most serious part. The most serious after the loss of the gallant boys we shall never see again is the indirect loss. Settlers depending on labour have already felt: it. As a matter of fact, some have had to* abandon the industry by which they- were reaping some reward after long years of hard struggle. Men are eagerly sought, but in vain. Threshing machine men cannot be got. Men are offered la fid per hour for harvest work and they cannot be got; and in some cases grain and grass seed had to be left to rot or cattle turned over it. Not only have we sent away more men than we were justified in sending, but the prospect of more going is unhinging the minds of hundreds of others This can readily be noticed by the numbe r of applicants for the Seventh Contingent. Why are so many eager to go? Some are, of course, moved by purely patriotic motives, but many for the sake of their future. la it not a fact that when our boys return they will carry all before them? Has not the Premier already stated that he intends to fill every vacancy in the public service with continge.it men ? No wonder there is a rush to get going, so that when the time cornea they will be "in it,” too. It has been suggested that each receive a grant of land on their return—a most laudable idea—but feeling ttint this may prove too big an order, is it not de-sir- • abel that some inducement bo held out tt the heroes so that they may be reckond ns part of oiir defence force? Those in each provincial district, say, should be organ-* ised. Thus we should possess a magnificent force of men who had leaned their business where only it can he thoroughly ■acquired. Some are members of existing Volunteer corps, and will retain their membership. It is, therefore, those in scattered districts that need more attention. Somel may be drafted 1 into the Permanent Artillery. From what I learn there are but few who will nonreturn. Perhaps the Premier has already got a scheme up his sleeve. I will not prolong my remarks, beyond merely hoping that what is to be done will be that which imost conducive to the needs of the colony and justice to our gallant cpntingerts. A NEW CRUSADE. Mr James Barr writes as follows;—As 0110 of the public and knowing the splendid work done by Mr O’Regau in tho Parliament of this country, in regard to coal and other great questions, I would suggest that ho address meetings in each of the large centres of the* colony on the coal question and also on. land taxation. The two questions- are very, closely- connected with the welfare of the peopled Tho -expense would no doubt bhmot if the public wer» approanked ia