THE PEACE CONDITIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12606, 9 March 1903, Page 5

THE PEACE CONDITIONS.

THE NEEDS OF HANMER. (Psr United Pjikss Association'.) CHRISTCHCRCH, March 7. Mr Sodden addressed a Iwgo meeting at Hamner Springs last night. Referring to tho South African conditions of peace, he said that had the conditions been what were wished by tho peopla of (his colony and himself there would iuvo betai no occasion for Mr Chambsrlain to visit South Africa. Tho Boers would never realise the generosity of our nation. They were absolutely beaten and never intended to fight any more, and' yet vero treated generously, admitted to a conference and an arrangement mado so that they could come in voluntarily and surrender. Ho had just received ■ from the War Offioo information thr.t the Imperial Gold Storage Company had obtained the meat contract for Oapo Colony an<l Nab). That meant a great deal for the colony, hccaufo ho licpod that, under this arrangement, we should have a market for (I largo portion of tho b'oef and mutton of New Zealand. Under these circumstances, ho was pleased that the contract had gone where it hnd, but he would have much preferred that it had com© to somo colonial contractor. He hoped the time was not- far j distant when tho oontracfc would bo Mcured. ! j It was the duty of the War Office to amend ' the conditions. The colonies could supply the army and navy, and in that manner .shave the good' thing*, and not send good British moivey to foreign countries. Ho could not see why a trai" servico to Hanraer should not form part ami parrs! of the mail service between town and country. Tho colony to-day stood out as om of tho most; prosperous of any land within the Empire. l The outlook was never better than at tho present moment. He was delighted to eeo that all bitterness Jvad seemed tc liavo parsed away, and that men ant! women ootild, grant other.? that which they chimed to enjoy thoms«lve?~indencrdenoD and freedom of thought an (taction. He concluded by saying that he would undertake to master overy detail of what was required by Finmer, amd that which was in the interest* of tho colony ond.tho district would ho dono a3 far ae tho Government wore conccrnod.