CHAPLAINS FOR THE TROOPERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12260, 25 January 1902, Page 6

CHAPLAINS FOR THE TROOPERS.

There are many cogent reasons why the services of suitable chaplains should be secured to accompany the contingents which are shortly leaving for South Africa, and we know of few arguments which with any degree of force can be urged l against their employment. From time immemorial the presence of the representatives of religion upon the Held of battle has been not alone tolerated hut welcomed, and their services iu catcriu" for the spiritual needs of the wounded and administering the last sacraments to the dying have provided a fruitful theme alike for poet and novelist. The Ditnedin Presbytery Committee, have, wo are informed, communicated with the Premier suggesting that action he taken in this direction, but although the communications have taken the form of both telegram and letter, no reply has yet been forthcoming. It is to be hoped, in view of the short tirile which remains to make the necessary arrangements, that the response will be no longer delayed. It has been pointed out that chaplains representing the Methodist, Anglican, and Roman Catholic bodies have accompanied the several contingents which embarked for the front from Australia, while n previous request by the Dunedm Presbytery was refused when the fourth and fifth contingents were sent away, flie attitude which the Premier may possibly take up is that, bearing in mind the denominational jealousy which unfortunately usually crops up in cases oi this kind if he sanctions the attachment to the contingents of a Presbyterian chaplain, he may be deluged with similar applications from representatives of every faith and creed professed by each of the departing troopers. But. as if to leave no possible loopbolo for a refusal, the Presbyterian Church have declared their willingness to pay the salary and expenses of chaplains for each contingent, and, if necessary, the cost of their passages to South Africa, although they are, hopeful that the latter would be franked by the Imperial authorities. We are certainly of opinion that tho permit asked for should at once be issued, and in the event of any other denomination coming forward in tho same way, a similar favour should also be extended to them, always providing, of course, that the number of chaplains be in reasonable proportion to the size of each contingent. A further argument in favour of the Government acceding to the proposal lies in the fact that Lieutenaut-colonel Robin, who has seen service in South Africa, and is therefore acquainted witli the actual working of the arrangement, is in favour of a chaplain being sent—one who could travel with a column.