Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY. OCT. 21, 1899. The N.Z. Contingent.

Manawatu Herald, 21 October 1899, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY. OCT. 21, 1899. The N.Z. Contingent.

To-day the contingent who have volunteered for active service in South Africa leave Wellington for the scene of war. Whatever feelings all may entertain as to the wisdom of the action taken by the Government in this direction, not one will not desire the very best success to those men. who, from a sense of duty and response to the call made by the State, have so smartly and so cheerfully given their services. In matters of discipline everything depends on the leaders, and it is the duty of good citizens to obey orders, even if, following the old nautical expression, they break owners. Some one must lead and the majority have to follow, and it is extremely satisfactory to find that amongst us are those who place confidence in the ability of those put over them and are ready to give their life's blood in the defence of a cause that is told them is just, but about which they cannot have had an opportunity of judging. We hold with the importance of all the colonies testifying to the Mother Land their readiness to take up a portion of the burden she has to bear when the need arises, but we have very strong doubts as to whether the action taken in sending away two hundred of the flower of our young men is the best course that could be taken to prove our sincerity. That it is a good advertisement. for those who seek the plaudits of the Home Press, none can doubt, but it goes without saying that England has plenty of men, of not so expensive a class, and as good soldiers, as our Contingent will be composed of, and thus if this Colony was willing, which we agree with, to find a sum of £20,000 towards the subjugation of the Transvaal there were better ways in which it could have been used, and of more practical advantage to the army in the field. Just on the eve of the embarkation of the Contingent is not the time to pursue the other means we have referred to, the Contingent has been decided upon, and the appeal for men has been heartily responded to, and we have not the slightest doubt but that every man will do his duty and act in a manner which shall be a credit to the Colony he belongs to. On behalf of our district we bid them farewell, and trust that Mr. Kruger

will find the desires expressed in the 83rd Psalm, which he is stated to be frequently repeating, may be turned against himself, and the N.Z. Contingent may return covered with glory and honour.