RECRUITS FOR THE BOERS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 30 April 1901, Page 4

RECRUITS FOR THE BOERS.

A Matter For Immediate Attention

Although open recruiting for the Boer forces has come to an end on the Continent, says the " Pall Mall Gazette," the Boer agents appear to be as active as ever and private information received shows that despatches are still being picked up in the chief cities of Europe and sent to South African ports. The recruits enrolled aro principally sent away on vessels sailing from Dutch and German ports, but many leave in the ordinary way, it is said in the steerage of our own liners. Those interested on the Boer side are crowing over the alledged circumstances that 75 per c: nfc. of the refugees sent oat oc Africa by Lord Roberrs have returned to the Capo after having spent an enjoyable holiday in Europe, paitly at our own expense.

It is suggested that some supervision should be exercised at the Home ports over lower-class passengers sailing for the Cape, and that from the date of their landing there they should be placed under "strict surveillance. As for those landing at Lourcnco Marques and the ports of German South-west Africa, it is considered that we should at once come to an arrangement with the Portuguese and German Governments, so that active steps may be taken to prevent "emigrants " from joining the Boer commandos m the field. Many of those who land at Delagoa Bay are said to cross the border without any attempt at hindrance being made, and it is believed that the reason for Dc Wet's efforts to go west was to increase his force by picking up scattered bands in Damaraland, who are waiting for a leader—and at the same time for the colonial rising that does not seem likely to materialise. The powers at home profess to have no knowledge of Continental recruiting for our enemy; but considering the work of our Intelligence Department before and during the campaign, there is much room for speculation upon this point. The fact remains that is to be known on the Continent that thousands of men have been sent across, and that filibustering steamers have landed stores on the South African coast. It has been the subject of talk in the cafes for months, and our friends on the other side Lvugh at what they torrn the hoodwink.ng of the British fleet and Army. To-day they aro boasting that a further batch of recruits have left a Dutch port to help the Boers, and that others will sail soon. If Dr Leyds and his staff cared to speak, they might tell us how the men are got, and if they are paid out of the go'd stolen from the mines and banks of the Transvaal and brought to Europe by Mr Krugcr on the Gddsrland. Tha matter is one that calls for immediate action on our part.