AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume I, Issue 7, 1 April 1900, Page 565

AUSTRALIA

The Australians are beginning to reap the first fruits of their patriotism. The Secretary of War is offering the different colonies a very liberal supply of artillery and infantry commissions, in order to till up the many vacancies caused by Boor bullets. The war has already been very far-reaching in its effects. It has originated a spirit of militarism in the colonies which will be for their permanent good. A course of military discipline, taken at war time, is the best possible training that young men brought up to the wild free life away back can have. The Bubonic Plague is asserting itself more and more in Sydney, and will do so until the drastic measures now being played with are thoroughly carried out. Federation draws its slow length along. It is matter which cannot be settled off-hand. The delegates are having by no means an easy time of it. Amendments galore are being proposed by the law officers in the Commonwealth Bill, which the delegates for the most part are doing their utmost to oppose. Mr. Reeves, presumably at Premier Seddon's instigation, is fighting for a clause enabling any State in general — and New Zealand in particular — to come in at any time on the same terms that would be required if it joined at the first inception.