The Daily News THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1902. THE NINTH CONTINGENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 19, 23 January 1902, Page 2

The Daily News THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1902. THE NINTH CONTINGENT.

The action of New Zealand in offering an Eighth Contingent is highly appreciated at Home. The good work done the colonial troops has been recognised in a way that roust be ex tremely gratifying to the various colonies which have done their share in up holding the honour of the Empire. No doubt the manner in which the colonies with their comparatively limited populations contributed men for active service made the British Government hesitate about asking for more meD, although both at Home and in South Africa it was plainly stated that the class of men sent from the colonies were what was wanted to quickly terminate the war. Canada, to her credit be it said, came. forward with the offer of another contingent and New Zetland, in spite of her having already sent seven contingents, two of which are still in tbe field, offered to place another 1000 men there and bring the Sixth and Seventh Contingents up to their full stre»gth. Their immediate acceptance and complimentary reference to the men previously sent was a compliment to be proud of. Australia, which had strangely hung baok, al-o made thfe offer of additional men which Was accepted. The response to the call to arms was most creditable to the colonies and a very pointed and decided answer to the German sneers about the colonies being broken reeds not to be depended on in time of rpnl trouble. Nowhere throughout Australasia was the response so pronounced as in New Zea'and, and the British Government in asking New Zealand to contribute another 1000 men has paid her the greatest compliment possible. It is clear that a high value is set by the Imperial authorities on the assistance New Zealand is able to give. They evidently also watch what is going on here, and deem it wise to give those rejected in making the selection for the Eighth Contingent a chance of serving the Empire. . One thing that is very pleasing about tho sending of these two 'contingents iB tbe almost entire absence of opposition to their going. Id the case of some of the other contingents there has been a good deal said' as to the need for New Zealand to send away more of its young men; but the universal testimony to the value of the New Zealand troops, and the fact that " the Empire calls," has, we are glad to see, brought everyone into line in their determination to do all in their power to end the war at the earliest possible moment. Let any who foar we are contributing too liberally of our manhood take comfort in the fact that we have in New Zealand 150,000 men between the ages of 17 and 40, and their quality and adaptability as soldiers is proved by the conduct of those who have served in South Africa, Much as the trade of war is to ba regretted there is no doubt New Zealand must be prepared for contingencieswhich a short time since appeared so remote as to, excite rediculo when mentioned asprob-' able or possible. The friction that has taken place between Great Britain and France, and the attitude of Germany at the present time, shows how little it would take to plunge the nations into war. With these nations holding such important stations, as they do, in the Pacific, a war between the Mother Country and either of them means a serious work in these southern teas. Should such a time unhappily came, the men who have seen service in South Africa will prove of great value to tha colony, and the experience will ba worth all the sacrifices which been made. New Zealand's security lies under Providence in every man having a rifle, and knowing how to usa it,