GENERAL BOTHA’S TRIUMPH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3201, 21 July 1915, Page 54

GENERAL BOTHA’S TRIUMPH.

NEW ZEALAND’S CONGRATULATIONS. (From Ode Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 14. A suggestion was made in the House of Representatives this afternoon by Sir Joseph Ward that the Government should inaugurate a movement for the purpose of allowing tho people of New Zealand to give a tangible evidence of their admiration of General‘Botha in defeating the enemy in Africa. General Botha’s name stood out for the work he had done for the Empire, and he thought tho people of this country might like to present him with a sword as a gi‘t of admiration. The subscription could bo limited to Is. The Prime Minister said he had already communicated with his Excellency tho Governor in connection with the matter, and. a cablegram had been sent to the Governor-General of South Africa expressing admiration of what had been done by General Botha. Not only had that message been sent, but one had been sent from the Maori race, which had been handed to him by Dr Pomare. If anything more was desired ho would be glad to consider it. AUCKLAND, July 15. A meeting was convened- by the Mayor to support the suggestion of a testimonial to General Botha. There was a crowded gathering of representative citizens. ijlloquent speeches dealing with General Botha’s great victory were made by tho Mayor, the Hon. G. Fowlds, and other representative men. A resolution was carried with enthusiasm inaugurating a shilling subscription to provide a suitable recognition of General Botha’s distinguished services to the Empire, and requested the Mayors of the chief centres of the dominion to co-operate in creating a dominion fund. A further reeolution appointed a committee to give effect to the previous resolution, and practicably to recognise the services of General Smuts L.