The Thames Star. Resurrexi SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1900. THE DISLOYAL DUTCH.

Thames Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 9437, 6 January 1900, Page 2

The Thames Star. Resurrexi SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1900. THE DISLOYAL DUTCH.

Thh effect of the temporary check experienced by General Gatacre's forces at Stormberg a few weeks ago has been to strengthen the enemy by the addition of some thousands of Jjutch farmers, who, although previously itching to- join in the rebellion, were indisposed to do so for fear of consequences. The treacherous slaughter of a few hundred British soldiers and the capture of a few others as prisoners of war appears to have had the effect of causing waverers to climb down from their position on the rail and disclose which side of the fence they belong to. It is perfectly true that blessings often come in disguise, and in the light of important events which have occurred since the repulse of the British at Stormberg, Magersfontein and Tugela., those annoying incidents which created a gloomy feeling throughout the Empire may have their redeeming side. In every war it is absolutely necessary that the military authorities should be in a position to estimate the full strength of the enemy, sos that they may have a correct idea of the hostile force they have to cope with. Up to< the time of General Gatacre's reverse the British generals had a false notion of the extent of the rebellion, and were probably under the impression that thousands of Dutch farmers in Cape Colony and Natal would not take an active part in the operations against them. Their eyes must, however, oe now open to the real position, and it is far better for them to know who are hostile to them and who are not, than to remain under a false impression, which induced them to regard both loyal and treacherous Dutchmen as friendly, or at least neutral.

Even in Capetown itself the- smouldering embers of disloyalty came near bursting into flame. The attitude adopted by that infamous traitor the Cape Premier—Mr. Schreiner —would not have been possible but for the fact that he had the sympathy of a. large number of people with him. Dutchmen residing on farms situated within forty miles of Capetown have gone to join the Boer force, and, according to the Cape Times, the press of the capital "teems with evidences of a common cause with those in arms against the Queen, where either unconcealed or ill-dissimulated exultation is exhibited at any report of mishap to British arms." This state of things is a striking evidence of the racial cleavage that exists, and also of the malign influence of the Afrikander Bond, with its secret plan for overthrowing British rule in South Africa. The difficulties of the British generals must be greatly increased owing to the fact that Cape Colony is seething with sedition, and that it is almost impossible for them to distinguish! friend from foe.' i

With, this isfue we present our reader* with the Star almanac for 1900. A severe earthquake shock was felt at Hokitika shortly after midnight on Thursday. Mr Joshua Wright, one of the most prominent business men at TaurangJ, died of pneumonia early on Thursday morning. The next sitting of the Magistrate's Court will be on Monday, 2<*nd inst A lad named Tddy McMorrin fell down a well at Tepuna, near Tauranjja, on Thursday, and severely injured his leg. He was brought into Taurangafor medical treatment. Says the Bay of f lenty Times " Trooper Callaway. the ha^caste, who went to South Africa as a member of the No 1 Contingent, is a younger Brother of Mr Bob Callaway, well known here a3 a boatbuilder, etc He was born at Coromandel, his mother being a chiefteness of high rank in the Tauranga tribes and nearly related to Hone Tahirangi, one of the principal fighting chiefs at the Gate Pa.'

A aalo by auction of furniture etc. on' account of Mrs Ensor, senior, who is leaving the Thames—is advertised by the auctioneer in another column. The annual examination of teachers and candidates for employment in the civil service will be commenced on Monday morning at the Waio-Karaka school. The Madrigal Concert Company will give a grand concert at St. George's HaU on Thursday next. The programme wiU appear in a future issue. Messrs Mackay and Pratt, auctioneers' of Paeroa, report as follows on their Chinemnri markets for week ending January 4th :— Quite a number of entries of fruit were received for this auction, and there still seems to be a good demand in all classes. Property sales are still hard to effect, and lately there has not been a great demand for houses.

Dante, who is described as the greatest ■ living exponent of the magic art, and who j ivas the tutor of his late brother, Dante 'he great, will open at the Miners' Union Hall on Thursday next with a programme calculated to create wonder and amazement at the marvellous mysteries which he leaves his audience to fathom. Dante is supported by Mdle. Edmunda, widow of Dante the Great, who assists him in some of the most recently invented mysteries known to modern magic. One astounding illusion executed by this beautiful lady is that she rides a bicycle in and through the air, up the walls, and along the ceiling. That there will be a crowded house on Thursday to witness this extraord:nary entertainment goes without saying, a la>-ge number of seats being already booked afc Mr Burra's.

Last evening Sergeant Clarke received the following telegram from Sergeant Brennan of Paeroa :- " Ralph Goodwin, sick and destitute, suffering from injuries received by a fall at Waihi, coming by afternoon train for hospital, Please arrange for conveyance from train to hospital on arr'val" — Sergeant Clarke made the necessary arrangements as requested, and Goodwin was admitted to the hospital about 7 o'clock last night He was examined by Dr. Aubin who found that he had two ribs broken, besides being much bruised on the shoulder and about the head. Goodwin told Dr Aubin that on Wednesday he fell off a loft at Waitekauri, and was ta eu to his sister's hou-e, where he was imconscious for 24 hours. On telephoning to the hospital this morning we Jearnt that the injured man was progressing favorably. Writing from the Camp, Wellington the Auckland Ltar's correspondent states th-it though the attendance of the general' public was not so large on '1 hursday as during the Christmas and New Year

holidays, the slopes whicli command a view ol the encampment were thickly besprinkled with spectators, the majority of whom were the gentler sex, It is wonderful what an attraction the pride, pomp and panoply of war possesses for the ladies, nor can it be denied that the noble

spirit of (.atriofem and self s criflce, exhibited by the mothers and sis* era of our soldiers exercises a very powerful influence in stin ing up that enthusiasm which animates the officers and men of the contingent