The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1866.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 33, 12 April 1866, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1866.

l r~ .'lt is a melancholy fact that in this n'uieteeuth ' century,, this age of civilization, war is still the last resort of nations for the settlement of their disputes, and that the Governments of the earth still find it necessary, to arm their subjects for the purpose of taking human life. The time when universal peace shall reign yet seems a long .way off. It must, however, be acknowledged that ; war calls forth some of the noblest feelings of the human heart. The devotion to his duty which forms portion of the training of a soldier destroys all feelings of selfishness in his nature. How careful is the true soldier of the weak and helpless ; how chivalrous is his devotion to women ; with what self-ab-negation does he face inevitable death when his dut}>- so directs him ; and no soldier lias a higher name than the one who wears the livery of the Queen. Sometimes war unexpectedly arises in a country, in which it is necessary that some of the inhabitants should leave their ordinary avocations, and arm for the defence of their fellow countrymen, such has been the case in New Zealand ; large numbers of the colonists have been enrolled for the defence of their race, and have acquitted themselves in such a manner as to have called forth the admiration of the entire colony. And when the Imperial Trcops leave New Zealand, should anorher native war break out, we will not hesitate to entrust its conduct to Colonial Troops. No war ever passes away without leaving a large amount of suffering behind it. Many of those who left their homes, and marched to the front, have fallen sacrifices to their devotion, to their duty; and have left helpless wives, and destitute families behind them. These and others who have suffered bereavement, appeal to the compassion of their fellow countrymen, and countrywomen for assistance. \ At seven, o'clock, to-morrow evening a

meeting of the inhabitants of this province will take place, at the Provincial Hall. This meeting has been convened by his Honor the Superintendent, for the purpose of establishing a New Zealand Patriotic Fund, to provide support for the widows and orphans of those who have fallen in the war. Similar meetings have been held in other proviuces, witli great success. Nelson, in common with the other provinces of this island has not suffered by the war in tlie same manner as our less fortuuate fellow-colonists in the northern island. Although our public burdens have j been increased, oitr homes have not been devastated, our property plundered or destroyed, therefore we can act more liberally on behalf of the sufferers than they can be expected to | do. We look forward to a successfu) meeting to-morrow evening.