SOUTH AFRICA,

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 5, 1 February 1900, Page 405

SOUTH AFRICA,

At the time of writing this the cables from South Africa are vastly more encouraging than the news recorded last month, and before this gets into the reader's hands, I trust that more reassuring news still will have reached us. Many amongst us with an exaggerated notion of the old saying that lookers on see most of the game, forgetting that a great deal depends upon how far off the spectators are, have been disposed to blame, in no measured terms, what we termed General Buller's supineness and inactivity. Recent developments, however, have conclusively proved that he, very properly, was not going to start till he was ready, that he wished to lay his plans of campaign with a precision that cannot be assured by too hasty action. He has now, with the able assistance of the Generals and forces at his command, gained such a position, and so thwarted the most cherished designs of the Boers, as to make the relief of Ladysmith within the next few days a certainty. He has put the garrison there in a position which will give them the opportunity, so ardently desired, of rushing out and paying some of the debts they owe. That these will be paid to the full with interest no one can doubt. With Ladysmith available again, and insured against Boer occupation, and the forces there released, the remainder of the campaign will be much facilitated. The lesson which the breaking up of this strong force of the enemy will teach cannot but have a very

discouraging effect on them, and although much remains yet to bo done, there is no doubt that this one achievement alone has far outbalanced the disadvantages which occurred from our want of preparation, and the errors which were committed through rashness and want of proper caution at the earlier part of the war. Tho commendation which has on every side been heaped on tho conduct of the Australian and Now Zealand troops under fire is very gratifying. The resourcefulness, courage and daring of the sous of old pioneers, who havo had to tight their way against the obstacles of nature in a new country, and their own experiences iv the bush of their native land, fit them pre-eminently for the duties they aro called on to perform in irrogular warfare. The events of the last few months will have a far-reaching effect, in the cementing together of the Empire, in the raising a military aud reliant spirit amongst the inhabitants of the remotest colonies, thereby counteracting that spirit of false security — and I might almost write — indolence which undisturbed peace is apt to engender.