The Reconciliation of South Africa.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XXV, 21 June 1902, Page 1287

The Reconciliation of South Africa.

Lord Kitchener reports that the disarmament is proceeding satisfactorily, and that a good spirit is shown in regard to everything. One thousand nine hundred and eighty-six rifles were surrendered on Saturday, making a total of 4342. General lan Hamilton, addressing the surrenderers at Heidelberg, said the whole British nation admired their gallant struggle. The men expressed allegiance. Reitz and the whole staff of the Transvaal Government, who were stationed at Rhenosterkop with an escort of 50. have surrendered at Balmoral. Commandant Lieber berg and 470 men surrendered at Reikul.

De Wet brought 200 of Vannikerk’s and Vandermerwe's commando to Vredefort. Major-General Elliott welcomed them and delivered the King’s messages, expressing delight at the termination of the war and eulogising the Boers and British and hoping the burghers would soon regain prosperity and happiness. The Boers were delighted, and gave cheers for the King. Field-Cornet Raoth declared the Boers would be loyal. Four hundred and forty Boers have surrendered at Brandfort and 126, including Hindoo's and McKinney’s commandos, at Balmoral. When a number of surrendered Boers reached Bloemfontein they refused to shake hands with those who surrendered previous to the peace.

The Boers who came into Vredeford expected that there would be fifteen thousand British troops to witness the surrender. They were surprised and gratified to find only Major-General Elliott and his staff.

All the Boer leaders are delighted at the establishment of peace. They express a wish to resume work on their farms.

Commandant Hertzog remarked to the “Daily Telegraph” correspondent that Krause (recently sentenced in London for conspiracy) deserved all he got, and more. He ought to have observed the law or else have openly fou~ht in the field. An impressive peace ceremonial took place in the public square at Pretoria on Sunday forenoon. Six thousand troops lined the square. Lord Kitchener, attended by Generals lan Hamilton and Baden-Powell and Lady Methuen, appeared on the platform in front of the Government Buildings and presented medals to the nurses and Victoria Crosses to the officers and privates. Then the army chaplains, with a surpliced ehoir, with banners and crosses, marched in procesaion, singing hymns and reciting prayers. The Archbishop of Capetown preached and referred to the bravery of the Boers in the field. Then followed the National Anthem and Kipling’s Recessional.

Lord Kitchener called for cheers for the King, and the great crowd heartily responded. The troops also cheered Lord Kitchener.

Opperman’s commando has surrendered at Pretoria. They are delighted at the restoration of peace.

Mullen’s commando, at Balmoral, gleefully threw down their rifles and insisted on shaking hands with the British officers. They had a big “sing-song” in the evening. Commandant Fouche represented the Boer Government when Bezindenhout’s and Odendaal’s commandos surrendered at Aliwal North. Fouche, in responding to Colonel Ternan’s complimentary welcome, expressed the hope that next time he would fight beside the British.

The skirmishes which have occurred are due to the great area to be covered by the peace emissaries and the difficulty of communicating earlier the news of peace to isolated outposts. Three hundred and seventyseven Boers have surrendered at Hopetown, including 331 rebels. Commandants Vanzye and Vandermerve have arrived at Vryburg- They welcome peace. Commandant Kemp surrendered at Ma feking. He was adverse to surrender, but finally yielded to the views of the majority. He says he is glad Lord Kitchener did not attach any shame to surrender. The Boers might have continued the struggle for a couple of years longer though they had no certainty of success. Food was plentiful in the Western Transvaal, but exhausted in the Eastern. He is quite satisfied from the conditions of settlement that there will be no bitterness and he predicts harmony.

A proclamation issued in Cape Colony accepts surrenders for another month. Those failing to surrender within that time will be subject to the extreme penalty of the law.

Lord Kitchener reports that Vantonder's and Vanbeeren’s commandos.

with 403 rifles, surrendered on Monday at Ventersdorp. Afterwards, at a camp concert, the burghers sang “Auld Lang Syne” aud “God Save the King.” Further surrenders have taken place in West Transvaal of 167 rifles and 23,000 rounds; at Ermelo, of 303 rifles; and at Zoutspanberg, 150 rifles; a total of 3671 arms on the 9th and 10th inst.

The Government is engaging nine transports for a three months’ service to carry the Boer prisoners back to South Africa. Each will carry 60 officers and 1550 men. Vessels that have been used for the transport of horses will not be accepted to carry troops. Mr Chamberlain, presiding at the Colonial Club dinner, in the course of a speech said the country now enjoyed a peace honourable to both parties. The lines we ourselves traced at the outset alone afforded a basis of permanent settlement. Britain had been very ge:.erous in everything relating to personal and private matters, but had yielded nothing of substance. The country might well be delighted at the way the terms had been accepted. It was a good augury that our late opponents, after doing their best to maintain their independence, were now ready to loyally accept the altered conditions and co-operate in developing an era of unparalleled prosperity. Lord Kitchener inspected and thanked the National Burgher Scouts. He promised that they should return to their farms as soon as possible. ' The Scouts enthusiastically cheered Lord Kitchener, Lord Milner, and peace. The Scouts and surrenderers are on amicable terms. At Middleburg, in the Transvaal, the

eurrenderers went to the refugees’ camp and arranged an impromptu ball with the Scouts and refugees. Beyers' commando of 152 have surrendered at Petersburg. Hans Grobelaar’s commando, numbering 318, have surrendered at Erelmoa. Beyers admitted getting ammunition through Portuguese territory. A large number have surrendered at Beits. Nearly all were armed with English LeeMetford rifles. They expressed resentment at the French and German press encouraging the hope of protracting the war. Some surrenderers in the Transvaal were wholly clad in skins, their boots being made out of old portmanteaux, and their hats from cows’ paunches. Seven hundred and eighty-two, belonging to the Kroonstad aud Hoopstad commandos, the majority being ill-clad, under General Hattings, surrendered on the 10th. Some of the old men were unarmed anil many youngsters had rifles.

De Wet described the latter as the best fighters, holding their positions long after the older men had retired. Be urged the surrenderers to prove their fidelity to the new Government.

Lieutenant-General Elliot spoke, bringing them the King’s messages of goodwill. The King and Lord Kitchener were lustily cheered. Two thousand Boers have surrendered at Reitz. The total number of surrenderers to date is 11,002. They include Steyn’s bodyguard and Dutoit’s staff. Lord Milner gives ten days' rations and tents to those who are able to support themselves on their old farms. It is expected that there will be 5000 additional surrenderers before the 17th inst. Many of the recent surrenderers are young boys and old men.

Botha, De la Rey, Meyer and Reitz are expected to arrive at Utrecht, in Holland, in July. Botha spends several weeks in London in August. On Friday 1817 Boers surrendered, bringing the total who have come in to date up to 12,850. The King delivered two important speeches at audiences given separately at Buckingham Palace to the Lord Mayor, members of the CityCorporation, and the chairman ami members of the London County Council, who were bearers of peace congratulations. In the first speech he expressed his thankfulness to Almighty God at the termination of the struggle. He recognised the sacrifices, the admirable fortitude and the spontaneous exertions of his subjects at Home and beyond the seas, their action con tributing to the increased unity and strength of the Empire. He also referred to the xalour and endurance of the troops who had been opposed by a brave and determined people. He rejoiced to think that they would become our friends,and earnestly hoped that by mutual co-operation and goodwill the bitter feelings of the past will speedily be replaced by ties of loyalty and friendship. In the second speech His Majesty said he looked to the introduction of a system of government which, with God’s blessing, would bring South Africa peace, and that prosperity would follow its establishment in every quarter of the globe. He confidently believed that the good feeling displayed by those who were so recently opponents augured well for the future of the vast country added to the dominions of the Crown. THANKSGIVING. In connection with the thanksgiving service crowds gathered outside St. Paul’s, London, at two o’clock in the morning, and the unreserved space was absorbed immediately the doors were opened at eight o’clock. The Lord Mayor at Temple Bar surrendered the city sword to the King, and afterwards met His Majesty outside the west entrance of the Cathedral, where the Bishop of London (the Right Rev. A. F. Winning-ton-Ingram) and the Dean (Dr. Gregory) received them. A stately procession was then formed, consisting of the Guardsmen’s band, the surpliced choir, the clergy in splendid robes, the sheriffs of the city, the Lord Mayor bearing the pearl sword, the King and Queen, the Bishop and Dean, the Prince and Princess of Wales and other Royalties, all following an uplifted cross

•nd tinging “Onward, Christian Soldi «r*.” The procession proceeded up the middle aisle, the King and Queen kneeling beneath the dome. The King was in hi> Field-Marshal’s uniform, and the Queen wore black lace, touched with purple. An impresive sermon was delivered by the Bishop of London. A quotation from Ruskin in reference to the Crimean dead brought tears to the eyes of many. Lord Roberts, Genetai Buller. members of the Min's try. and many legislators were present. Cardinal Vaughan, preaching at Holloway yesterday, and Dr. Parker, at the City Temple, referred gratefully and touchingly to the noble services the colonies have rendered in the war. Thanksgiving services were held in many Anglican churches in Cape Colony. Thanksgiving services were a’so heid in the churches and chapels throughout Great Britain, and at the Embassies abroad. Many Americans attended the services on the Continent. NEW ZEALANDERS IN SOUTH AFRICA. The Governor has received the following message front the Casualty Department, Capetown: Death from pneumonia, at Newcastle. Corporal Fogarty: dangerously ill at Wakkerstroom. Patrick Lee and William Grant, from injuries received: at Newcastle. Sergeant T. Turnbull and D. Baker, both enteric fever. Tile Government have received advice that Lieut. Robb MeKeich (of Lawrence. Otago) was killed near A’ereeniging on the 4th of June, and Lieut. Henry Rayne, of Roslyn, was slightly wounded in the thigh. Both were of the Ninth Contingent. Reported dangerously ill at Elandsfontein: Trooper George Atkins, of the Eighth Contingent, of enteric. George Atkins, of Clevedon. Eighth Contingent, is reported dangerously ill from enteric at Elandsfontein. The Governor has been advised that Private Evans, of Dunedin, is dangerously ill of enteric at Pretoria. The Acting-Premier is advised as follows from Capetown: Patrick Lee. of Woodlands. Southland, h.i.s had his right leg amputated at the Potchefstroom Hospital, owing to injuries received in a railway accident. He is d< ing well. Lance-Corporal C. E. Walker, and Stanton. Dunedin, are convalescent. John McKay, of Riverton, is doing well at Harrismith Collins, of Ashburton, has left for New Zealand. F. J. Chambers, of Woodend,'Canterbury. sailed by the Delphic on June 1. J. D. Beasley. Wanganui, is in Capetown. and well. Peddie is in the police, stationed at Botsoburg. I'he Aeting-Premier has received a cablegram from Major Pilcher, of Capetown, announcing that the New Zealand school teachers arrived safely on the 15ih. and are comfortably settled: also that the Director of Education writes: “We are looking forward to great things from co-ope-ration in educational work in the Nattil and other camps.” AN IRISH VIEW. Mr Michael Davitt unveiled a monument at Armagh to the pro - Boer Irishmen who were killed at the Modder River. Subsequently he said the dr.y would come when England would recognise the wrong she hail done in forcing the war on the Boers. The bystanders becoming aggressive, the police interfered to prevent a fight. KRUGER. The "Daily Mail” states that Kruger on Saturday ordered the removal of the Transvaal and Orange Free State flags from his villa in Utrecht. and that the municipal and church clocks have ceased to chime the Boer National Hymn, "The Volksleid.” The “Standard" says that Kv.yper, the Netherlands Premier, insists on Kruger swearing allegiance to King Edward, like Botha and De Wet. [This message, taken in conjunction with yesterday's cablegram stating that Kruger had ordered tha Transvaal and Orange Free State colours over his villa at Utrecht to be hauled down (no doubt under pressure), shows that the Netherlands Government has at last resolved to

withdraw its sympathy from the exPresident and his party. A cablegram on June 4 stated that there was much speculation over the presence at The Hague of Sir Conyngham Greene and Lord Reay, two Ambassadors high in the British Diplomatic Service. The object of their mission and its fruits are now apparent.] RETURNING TROOPERS. The following is a list of the names of the returned troopers by the s.s. Zealandia, which arrived in Auckland from Sydney last week:—C. 11. Madden. Auckland; K. G. Malcolmson, Auckland: Wm. McKenzie. Auckland; John Minn, Auckland; C. Little. Auckland: R. Letts. Auckland: D. McDonald, Devonport. Auckland; W. Sullivan, Thames: W. A. Choate, Thames: W. B. Willis, Ashburton: D. Buckley. Gisborne: A. E. MeNarn, Ngakavvau. Westport ; 8. Gilbert, Christchurch: C. H. Banker, Timaru: Quartermaster-Sergt. A. Leadingham. Mahino, Otago: C. F. M. Minitie. Temuka: Sgt. G. Langford, Geraldine. Canterbury; W. Ross, Rangiora, Canterbury: R. M. Henderson, Christchurch: W. Andrews, Timaru; S. J. Sell. Roslyn. Dunedin: W. G. Lammas. Richmond. Nelson: W. A. Hay. Marcrass Flat. Otago: R. Mann. Lyttelton: F. C. Chittoek. Tapanui, Otago; R. Grooby. Motueka, Nelson; T. J. Frame. Addington, Canterbury: T. Wil-

liamson. Ashburton: W. G. Knowles, Motueka. Nelson: Sgt. T. Hawke. Featherston; H. Rees. Westport: A. Hoare. Dunedin: J. Wakeley, Wellington: C. Dashwood, Geraldine; f- Pirani. Wellington: H. G. Jollins, Long Bt-ach, Ashburton: Sgt. G. Coleman. Wellington; D. R. Revelle, Ashburton: N. Flower, Nelson: Ernest A. Wall, Guyton-street, Wanganui: James Scott, Ohapi Creek, Temuka: Frances J. Lawrence. Christchurch; Archibald Benton. Wellington; William Rippengate, Temuka; John Rippengate. Temuka: J. B. Rippengate, Temuka: A. E. Urvvin, Wellington: C. Johnson. Taitville. Wellington: F. G. Thomas. Canvas Town. Marlborough; R. A. Garry. Dunedin: H. J. Heley, Wellington: C. T. Flygso. Palmerston North: C. Engsmom. Pahiatua. Wellington: John Ross, Wellington: F. Onyon. Wellington: E. Quill. Rangiora, Canterbury; T. G. Walter. Lower Hutt, Wellington: R. S. Tayler, Kaikorai, Dunedin: C. H. Taylor. Kaikorai, Dunedin: G. A. Fraser. Wellington: E. Smith. Balclutha. Otago: T. Crawford. Waimate. Canterbury: T. Kidd, Omato. New Plymouth; T. Costello. Greymouth: C. Buchanan. Wellington; L. W. Blundell. Wellington: C. L. Banks, Timaru; C. J. Blathwayt, Woodend. Canterbury: T. H. Atkins. Levin, Wellington; E. L. Richards, Shannon, Wellington. The troopship Manila, which arrived at Albany last week with 300 of the Seventh Regiment of New Zealand Mounted Infantry on board, will call at Hobart and Sydney, and then come direct to Wellington.