CHAMBERLAINS AT DURBAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 705, 29 December 1902, Page 2

CHAMBERLAINS AT DURBAN.

EN TH US 1A STIC \Y EL COM E. By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright. LONDON, December U>. Mr and Mrs Chamberlain have land-, ed at Durban, where they received an enthusiastic reception. TREMENDOUS OVATION. THE SOLVING OK THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS NO MAGICIAN'S WAND TO BE TRIED. By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright, DURBAN, December 27. Mr Chamberlain had a tremendous ovation at the Durban Town Hall. lie e.vpt'Okki'd the sympathy, of the King and Government with tho oversea subjects and kinsmen. He desired to understand them better, and he had visited them with a two-fold object, to make and protect new relations, and to gain information on tiie spot. Natal would be able to give independent advice and information concerning problems solvable by local wisdom and statesmanship, not by tiie magician’s wand. Time was the great healer, and patience was wanted.

Responding to tiie toast of his health, at a luncheon at the Marino Hotel, Mr Chamberlain expressed the hope that a result of his visit would be to strengthen tiie hands of Lord Milner, who was proving himself to he equally great in regard to conciliation and in the maintenance of the rights of t lie Empire. Two proud kindred races had come to stay a struggle for supremacy that, was inevitable. No statesmanship could have permanently prevented it. Now that the issue had been decided, and the brave leaders of the foe had admitted that the British flag must he paramount, what could separate them ? The Boers need feel no humiliation—they were offered equality of position. “ With them," added Mr Chamberlain, “ the issue lies. We extend tiie hand of fellowship, and ask them to grasp it without arriere peusce, without any mental reservation. Jn the course of his speech, Mr Chamberlain announced that Ben Viljoen's offer of a Boer contingent for Somaliland expedition had been accepted. lie urged Hie leaders, especially those of religious thought, to t.elp forward reconciliation. Federation presupposed that it was safe to concede self-government. This was dependent on the spirit with which Great Britain’s advances were met. lie hoped that it would come soon ; hut no mistake could be greater than to hasten it prematurely. When it did come, it would set the seal to perpetual unity and friendship, and herald the birth of a new nation and flag. The speeches caused a great nni press ion. Later. —In Hie course of iiis speech Mr Chamberlain said “ I come in a spirit of reconciliation, but also in a spirit of nmines.”

Replying to various deputations lie said that lie would consult Lord Milner in regard to their representations. This is interpreted to mean that Mr Chamberlain does not intend interfering with Lord Milner’s policy.