TOPICAL READING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9990, 9 March 1910, Page 4

TOPICAL READING.

THE SOUDAN CONTINGENT. The celebration in Sydney of the 25th anniversary of the departure of the contingent sent by New South Wales to the assistance of the Imperial forces in the Soudan is a timely reminder of the extraordinary development of the Empire during a comparatively short period, remarks the New Zealand "Herald." At the beginning.of 1885 the self-governing colonies had never reciprocated the military aid of the Mother Country, but had been wholly dependent up on her for military protection. Canada and New Zealand, South even Australia, had been garrisoned on occasion by Imperial regiments, but had never sent a corporal's guard overseas to strengthen the military arm which had so often been - stretched on their behalf. The action of New South Wales was the first indication that the British of the Empire were preparing, of their own volition, to join in maintaining the Imperial Peace. The contingent was a small one, numbering only 750 men, and only the Parent Colony, of Australasia was represented; but the decision of the New South Wales Government was a momentous one, and the enthusiasm evoked proved that it was in line with the trend of public opinion. The sailing of the Soudan Contingent will be regarded in all future Imperial history as the first exhibition of Imperial Unity in defence. Since then every self-governing colony has voluntarily forwarded contingents to South Africa, . while Australia promptly sent a body of men to assist in the relief of the Legations in Pekin. More than this, both Australia and New Zealand hava instituted universal training; Canada is considering the same policy; South Africa is not far behind. In the past, the Mother Country was burdened by the necessity to provide both military and naval defence tor her colonies; in the future, she will be able to depend more and more upon their loyal and grateful co-uper-ation in defence, both by land and