THE BOER WAR

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XXII, 31 May 1902, Page 1078

THE BOER WAR

PEACE PROSPECTS. Reuter's Pretoria correspondent states that on Wednesday, in accordance with the April arrangements, six Boer delegates were chosen at the Vereeniging conference, consisting of the members of the two Governments, and with De Wet, De la Rey and eight secretaries they arrived at Pretoria on Sunday and were lodged at a house next to Lord Kitchener’s. The “Daily Mail" states that in response to Boer haggling at Pretoria practically an ultimatum on the vital points has been presented by Britain with the intimation that in the event of a refusal Lord Kitchener is ready to strike. The chief points of the peace negotiations have been satisfactorily settled at Pretoria. The Cabinet sat for two hours considering questions in detail. The final vote on the entire scheme will be taken at the Vereeniging conference in a few days. The Cabinet's decision has been cabled to Lord Milner and communicated to the delegates. Mr. Chamberlain had an audience of the King after the Cabinet meeting. Ministers have returned to the country. The “Standard” states that the Boers have abandoned their demands for independence, and restricted themselves to raising the questions of amnesty of the rebels, expenses of rebuilding l and restocking farms, the adjustment of debts, and the status of burghers prior to the initiation of representative government. The Transvaalers, in sending representatives to the Vereeniging Conference, left matters entirely to them, but the Free State representatives did not obtain equally full powers. Those representatives at Vereeniging favouring peace without independence were subjected to bitter taunts. The “Standard’s” Pretoria correspondent states that up to last Saturday the proceedings at the Vereeniging Conference were rather of the nature of Free State recrimination than a discussion on the lines tentatively agreed on by the Boer leaders and those laid down by Lord Kitchener in April. Calmer counsels, however, prevailed on Sunday, when the Free Staters suggested points, offering to agree on their pari if these were formulated. The leaders then came to Pretoria, where a final agreement will be drafted, and, it is hoped, signed. The decision is a step to general submission. The “Times” states that the Boers’ desire for full explanations or further concessions forms a substantial ground for hope. It would be premature to assume an immediate agreement, but all the chief points are within sight. Fouche's commando was attacked because it refused to send a representative to the Vereeniging conference, and was therefore outside the tacitly understood armistice. Everything is in readiness for an unusually vigorous campaign should the negotiations fail. Mr. Brodrick, Secretary for War, speaking at the Volunteer Service Companies’ dinner, said everybody hoped that the communications now passing might be the prelude to the surrender of the Boers. All he could say was that the Government were as determined as ever not to purchase temporary immunity from trouble by sacrificing anything tending to the permanent security of peace. The war had shown the Empire that association, mutual support and confidence had made the dream of colonial federation a reality. The colonial

Ministers' Conference would consider' low we could put the enthusiasm which had brought the colonies into the field with us on a permanent basis. The war would give freedom to and establish a great empire in South Atrlca. A number of Boers assembled in the market square in Pretoria on Saturday, expecting a declaration of peace. The “Daily Mail” declares that nothing stands in the way of peace, and that it is expected the Oovernment will make in the House of Commons on Tuesday an announcement showing that they hare satisfactorily and inflexibly maintained the British position. The Vienna newspaper, “Neue Freie Presse,” rejoicing at the prospects of peace, admits that the world must thank England for leading the way for three centuries in all great achievements in politics, economics, and culture. The tone of the German newspapers is more friendly generally towards England. THE FIGHTING. Nine thousand troops participated In General lan Hamilton’s drive, from the 7 th to the 11th instant. Vanzyl’s commando of rebels and Zarp’s commando were practically wiped out. Lord Lovat’s force surprised Fouche’s laager at Stapleford, killing and wounding several, and capturing eighty-four horses and sixty full bandoliers. The “Times” states that McKinney, Jack Hindon’s subordinate in his train-wrecking exploits, has surrendered The following cablegram has been received by the Government from Colonel Davies, who is in command of the New Zealand Eighth Contingent, which took part in General Hamilton’s recent successful “drive”: “The following has been received from General lan Hamilton: ‘Result of recent operations—Killed, 1; prisoners, 354; rifles, 262; horses, 326; mules, 95; donkeys, 20; waggons, 175; Cape carts, 61; cattle, 3500; sheep, 1300; ammunition, 63,640; trek oxen, 106.’ Amongst the prisoners is Jan De la Bey, elder brother of the general. Since telegraphing this to Pretoria General Hamilton has received the following from Lord Kitchener: • Capital result. Tell troops I highly appreciate their exertions, and conaider the result very satisfactory. ’ We have now, since Lord Methuen’s capture, taken 860 of De la Key’s force. As there are a considerable number of new troops under his command, the G.O.C. mobile columns in West Transvaal think column commanders would do well to explain to them that the G.0.C.-in-Chief is not in the habit of bestowing indiscriminate praise, and that, on the contrary, the compliment' which has been paid this force is a very rare occurrence.’ ” THE PREMIER IN AFRICA. Mr Seddon received a cordial reception at Maritzburg. Mr Seddon addressed the Seventh New Zealand Contingent, mustering 360, at Newcastle, on the eve of their departure for the colony. 'Accompanied by Generals lan Hamilton, Wilson and Baden-Powell, he inspected the Eighth Contingent at Klerksdorp. They had just returned from a successful drive. Colonel Davies commands the complete column. Mr Seddon received an enthusiastic welcome at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. In the course of an address he said that New Zealand was prepared to treble her efforts for the Empire. He was confident that Imperial representation would be granted when demanded. Sir J. Ward has received the following cablegram from Mr. Seddon, dated Pretoria, May 22:—“1 have visited the hospitals at Johannesburg, Potchef■troom, and Klerksdorp. The New Zealand patients are all doing well. I went along the front for CO miles, and visited the Eighth Contingent, who are just in from General Hamilton’s drive. Generals Hamilton, Baden-Powell, Wilson, and Colonel Thorneycroft accompanied me. Colonel Davies and the officers and men are first-rate, and desire me to convey their best wishes to New Zealand. Ceneral Hamilton addressed the column, and praised highly the services of the New Zealanders. He did not want better men under him. He also praised their capacity for digging trenches. By these marks the New Zealanders will be known.

I visited the scene of the railway disaster to the Eighth. It is marvellous so few were killed.”

The Acting-Premier has received a cable message from Mr Seddon, who is at Johannesburg, to the effect that no more contingents will be required from New Zealand. This is interpreted to mean that the termination of the war is in sight, Mr Seddon being privy to what is passing behind the scenes.

Mr Seddon, speaking at a banquet at Pretoria, expressed the hope that the blockhouses would soon be turned into creameries and butter factories. Mr. Seddon, cabling to Sir J. G. Ward, says: “Passed a pleasant time at Pretoria as the guest of the Administrator. Had tea with Lord Milner, and dinner with Lord Kitchener. Had a long interview with both yesterday. Very satisfactory. Right men in the right place. To-day visited Elandsfontein Hospital. Forty-nine New Zealanders are patients. No serious cases, chiefly dysentery, rheumatism, and enteric. Lord Kitchener has sent Colonel Birdwood with us. General BadenPowell also accompanies. Feeling for New Zealand cordial. The Administrator practically admits our land settlement conditions are the best suited for South Africa. Am now proceeding to Vereeniging to inspect the Ninth Contingent. Time permitting, I will see the Boer delegates. Had a most cordial send-off at Pretoria and Johannesburg. Sir Joseph Ward received the following cable from Mr Seddon, dated Orange River, 1.25 p.m., 24th May: — “I inspected the Ninth Contingent at Veernicking yesterday. Officers, men and horses are all well. The Contingent is disappointed at not yet having had a brush with the enemy. The officer commanding the column spoke highly of them. I gave a short address, and the latest New Zealand news. All along the line I have been well received. At Bloemfontein an illuminated address was presented by the borough, expressing great satisfaction at New Zealand’s action in South Africa, and re Imperial Federation. I was also entertained by a large number of New Zealanders, who are doing well. Made a short stay at De Aar, and was met by the Midland Railway Commissioner. The DirectorGeneral of Railways accompanied us right through. Have nothing to learn on railway questions. Peace negotiations satisfactory. My opinion that no further contingents would be required is confirmed.—Seddon." RETURN OF THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

On Tuesday of last week the Auckland section of the Sixth Contingent returned home. At Onehunga the troopers were welcomed by Major Reid, officer commanding the Auckland district, and left by the eleven o’clock train for Auckland, arriving shortly before noon. At the railway station they were met by His Worship the Mayor (Mr Alfred Kidd), the town elerk (Mr H. Wilson), Councillors, and a large number of relatives and friends of the men. The contingent formed up and proceeded to Government House grounds, where they were welcomed by His Excellency the Governor, Lord Ranfurly, Lady Ranfurly, Captain Boscawen, A.D.C., General Babington, Captain Alexander, Major Moore, R.A., and Captain Campbell. Addressing the returned troopers, His Excellency said: —Lieut.-Colonel Banks, Non-commissioned Officers and •Men.—lt gives me great pleasure to welcome you back to Auckland, and congratulate you on a safe return from South Africa. After inspecting the men and making a few enquiries the latter were dismissed and joined their friends.

Mr Runciman, member for Constantia, has issued a manifesto on behalf of forty-six colonial Imperial Progressive members. It declares that the suspension of the Constitution is imperative, and that the Dutch themselves are anxious for it. The colony should have rest for two or three years in order to avoid the acrimony incidental to elections. Sir J. G. Sprigg’s majority of eight implies that three or four men rule and are compelled to make compromises with the consequent weakening of any measures submitted. The loyalists were entitled to demand a redistribution of seats on a numerical basis. Such,

however, would never pass the present Parliament. Redistribution alone would maintain the supremacy of Sir J. G. Sprigg. Federation must begin from within. That, however, would consume years and other colonies meanwhile would unite to boycott the Cape commercially and politically.

The “Standard” states Mr. Runeiman’s act an important secession, and that only two Progressives now support Sir J. G. Sprigg. Mr. Kunciman, addressing his Simonstown constituents, said five members of the Government majority were ready to vote to maintain the Bond, and that the prospect of the Afrikander party’s return to power would be an unthinkable calamity. The Imperial Government ought, on restoration of the constitution, to introduce a more equitable system of redistr i oution.