Mr Chamberlain.

Manawatu Herald, 30 December 1902, Page 2

Mr Chamberlain.

Mr Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies, has, accompanied by Mrs Chamberlain, arrived at Durban. Mr Chamberlain met with a tremendous ovation in the Town Hall, He expressed the sympathy of the King with his Subjects, and that of the members of the iiovernment with their kinsmen. He desired to know them better, with a two-fold object—-to make and protect new relations, and to gain information on the spot.

Natal, he said, would be able to give independent advice and information concerning problems! which could be solved by local wisdom and statesmanship, not by a magician’s wand. Time was a great healer, but patience was wanted.

Responding to the toast of his health at a luncheon at the Marine Hotel, Mr Chamberlain expressed the hope that the result of his visit would be to strengthen the hands of Lord Milner, who was proving himself equally great, both in regard to conciliation and the maintenance of the rights of the Empire. The two proud, kindred races, Mr Chamberlain continued, had come to stay. The struggle for supremacy was inevitable, and no statesmanship could have permanently prevented it. Now that the issne has been decided, and the brave leaders of the foe had admitted that the British flag must be paramount, what would separate them ? The Boers need, feel no humiliation, for they were offered a position of equality with the British. “With them,” Mr Chamberlain added, “ the issue lies. We extend the hand of fellowship, and asked them to grasp it without arriere pensee, and without any mental reservation.” Mr Chamberlain announced that General Ben Yiljoen’s offer of a Boer contingent for service in the Somaliland expedition had been accepted.

He urged the leaders, especially of religious thought, to help forward a reconciliation and federation. He presupposed that it was safe to concede self-government, but this was dependent upon the spirit in which Great Britain’s advances were met. He hoped it would come soon, but no mistake could be greater than to hasten it prematurely. When self-goverment did come, said Mr Chamberlain, it would set a seal to their perpetual unity and friendship, and herald the birth of a new nation and flag. “ I come,” he said, “in a spirit of firmness.”

Mr Chamberlain’s speeches have caused a great impression.

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