MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S TOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 36, 10 February 1903, Page 3

MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S TOUR.

BiSKLESS GRIBVANCES. THK WORMY mESVIEiV. Christian de wet's malice Received 9, 11.20 p.m. Cape Town", Fefcrury 9. Chiis'ia'i D ■ Wet's deputation to Mr Chamber ljin was of a very s ormy charac er. Tne petition prepared by Hirtzog at.d FicViart allrged ten grievanc s, and romplaiiid of unsympithetic administration. Mr. Chamberlain replied that the grievances were wholly baseless and imaginary, except where they had already been redressed. The petition was the work cf mifchiefmaking lawyers. He was astonished that m recognition was made of the unwearied aod gigantic eflorts of the Government with regard 'orepatriation, cmpensation, education, and the help given to byowoners. If the burghers persisted in grumbling, and were thankless, he would despair of reconciliation, and would advise the Government to hold its hand. | On Dj Wet, rising to rep'y, Mr Chamberlain mo'ioued him to silence, j Dd Wet regrettid his spe eh was unwelcome, and said io would have been as livr) mustard after me*t. \ On Het'lzog claiming that the Vereeniging t.rms ought to be incorporated with the law, Mr Chamberlain retorted that it had no legal status, but depended on the Governments honour, and chaliengod him to give any definite ins aneeg of its violation, Hertzog, amidst the laughter of some j of the burghers, cited several instances, which Mr C lamberlain disproved. Dj Wet declared that co-operation was impossdble while the Government recognised Piet Dj Wet and Cbris Botha as representing the burghers, as both ought to ruldd, and not be allowed to rule. Received 10. oi2o a.m. D) Went went on to say that he would never re9t until he caus d a re • bellion, not an armed rebellion, but oi.e of agitation and discontent against the Government. Mr Chamberlain wis adamant. When Hertzog interrupted, he exclaimed "I am not here to be coatra- ! dic':ed."

He declare! he would never subordina'e those who afsisted the Government to a ho-tile section. At a barque 1 : given litrr, many Beers were present, though De Web was absent. Mr. Chamberlain eulogis-d L*>rd Milrer, who, he sail, would remain in South Africa to wuness tbe full fruition of his great policy. R'.ferrirg to th 9 deputation, he said be considered it his duty te protest against iraccuracies, and absolutely fal-e allegations made in bad faith, which had not been supported by ; Rn atom of proof. He appealed to all to quench the fmbers of strife, and stated that a db-tingui-hed prcdikant had promised to promote union and conciliation. He explained how the Civilian Board would settle compensation claims at the end of the month, Mr. Chamberlain's frankness disconcerted tbe ex l rt-mists, and conciliated others, who were inclined to break with I and Christian De Wet, Eren] Hertzog disci limed any insinuation against the honour of the British Government, and admitted their willingness to redress injustice.