TO-NIGHT'S MASS MEETING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9940, 17 January 1900, Page 2

TO-NIGHT'S MASS MEETING.

AYe need hardly remind our readers that at the invitation, of His Worship the -Mayor, the people of Wanganui and its suburbs are invited to attend a mass meeting in the Drill Hall at 8 o'olock tins evening to consider the Premier's suggestion as to Wanganui sending 25 men as its contribution to tho third Now Zealand contingent. The objectt of the meeting will bo fully explained by His Worship, who will be supported by Biich eloquent speakers aa the Hon. Jclm Bryoe, A. D. Wiilis, M.J1.1J., S. T. Fitzherbert, W. H. Bamicoat, G. Carson, and the Revs. Kirk, Bond, and Spencer. At Dunedin and Christchurch, where similar miss meetings were held lately, the patriotism and enthusiasm of those present nere nt fever heat when appealed to in eloquent and stirring words for funds to assist in sending a further contingent of Now Zealand mounted infantry to South Africa, TVliPre f.ur boys have already made a name for themselves and the colony that so pioroptly despatched them to the aseitance of tho Mother Country in her hour of need. This is not a time for small-minded objections or political differences of opinion to be obtruded. It ia a serious juncture in the history of tho British Empire, and as such, must be tieated, much in the same way as an. invading force, against which the people would quickly band themselves in defence of their licirths and homos, iiroopectivi* ol CiOctl or politics. Tho appeal tur iuuds to (.airy out the proposal to

Bond a third New Zealand Contingent will no doubt call forth a generous response from all classes of the community, and demonstrate clearly the depth of British loyalty, which is, above all things, practical and unstinted. Tliero ale, no doubt, in all pLlces a few Little Englanders" whoso selfish natures impel them to condemn cveiything cur sttutejnen propose oi attempt lor the consolidation and federation of the Empire, but these carping critics and small minded people aro in a miserable minority at such times aa tho present, and liavo sense enough to keop quiet until the storm clears off and peoco is once more firmly established. This, in itself, ia a plain indication of the almost unanimous approval of the people of the steps winch aro being taken at Home aud abioiid for the defence of British intoi(f.ts 2nd tho liberties of British residents in fomgn countries.. Tho nation is also fighting for ono of its mobt valued pos-sc-siious, for it must not bo forgotten that this Boor war lub been onlerod into by the Afiikande'rs with tho avowed object of putting au end to British rule in South Airic.i. If such a thing were possible it would mark the first step toward? tin- decadence of British power, as it would not be very long before her rule in India nnd the East generally would be challenged and brought to a close, as Russia and others of the Gmii Powers ot Europe would be only too ready to join in an onslaught on the British Lion, if that sorely hied symbol of authority showed any signs i-f decadence. We hope that the Drill Hall will be t-Hed to oieifloMiiiij tin* evening by an ei,thußiastie nnd generous audience, who will be asked to give a practical answer to the question of whether -more men should be sent from New Zealand to South Africa, and, il so, how many Wangi.iaii ia piepaied to equip and despatch. Wo hope, for the credit of th,s part of the colony, the reply will be gnen in no niggnidly or grudging to ma, and that the most prosperous part of New Zealand will rise to tho occasion and show that its peoplo are not ungrateful or forgettul ot their duty to their (jueuii and country.