The Daily News. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1901. A COMPLAINT FROM THE VELDT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 44, 28 February 1901, Page 2

The Daily News. THURSDAY, F EBRUARY 28, 1901. A COMPLAINT FROM THE VELDT.

Tub Wanganui Chronicle, which is always looking for a chance to attack' the Government, under the above heading, publishes a letter from a trooper at the front, in South Africa, wbiob rung as follows: -" I refer to the | actian re his request to Lord Kitchener to retain the services of the New inlanders at present at tho front, and his intimation that he would send reinforcements to fill up the gaps. Now I say that in doing this ■ that is, as far as the first part goes—he has done something that has mightily displeased everybody at the front, f consider that when a volunteer has done twelve months' active service in South Africa that he ought to be allowed to return home. It; is all very well for Mr. Seddon to accede to Lord Kitchener's request to sand more men, and we all consider that that is aright and proper thing to do. But, when he tells Lord Kitchener to retain the men at present serving, then we say that he it distinctly wrong. Evidently he dees not know what active service if, more ospaciaUy the twelve months' service we have done. I wonder if Mr. Seddon knows what the position of tho two Contingents at present (January 10th) is. Well, I wili tell you. It will take them all their time to muster JgQ out of 504 men, all ranks told. Where are the rest, you will naturally ask ? Well, they are principally in hospital, sick, and fairly played out. Now why can't the New Zealanders be treated the same as other volunteers have been troated ? That is, be allowed to return home and their old companies be recruited up to their former strangth. Take Brabant's Horse, the Imperial Light Horse, Roberts' Horse, Kitcheoer's Horse, Botder Hprse, and the other numerous colonial forces. Have they not been allowed to return home? Then why sbould we not be allowed the same privilege? Evidently the Premier thinks that the war is nearly ov»r; but allow me to tell yon that it is just starting. It has lately come ou> in Army orders, and bten published for general information, that all volunteer who had served twelve months in the country, and who were unwilliog to futther continue their services, woold have their elaimj for disbandment specially considjred. But our chances look very remote when Mr Stddonsays "keep them." I think he ought to send a branding iron out to us and have U9 all branded "E.J.S." I might tell you that Colonel Robin telegraphed to the Premier asking him to send a Sixth Contingent as a relief, rather than to | fill the gaps, but this was blocked by the military aathoriti' s." Upon this letter the Chronicle hangs a long tirade against the'premier, If the Chronicle had followed oar report of the Pi emier'* remarks at the luncheon in New Plymouth on Saturday last it wonld have seen that he said "The Government intended to keep faith with the men and bring b*ck, those who had served theii twelve months and send others to take : heir place " Mr Seddon it very clear that in bis opinion, twelve months in the field on active service was quits as much as the country h'ad a rigjjt to xpect and to make the men qualified for any position in tb« service of the CO ony, and that the objeot of seuding new draf s w*s to set frte those who 1 had made sufficient sacrifices for the cauee.