NEW ZEALAND.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 690, 12 July 1900, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

(by telegraph—pbess ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, Last Niyht. The northern sectiou of the invalided soldiers by the Aotea arrived by the Rotomahaua to-day. The were met and welcomed by the Hons. Seddon, Ward and Duncan, several members of both branches of the Legislature, the Mayor of Wellington, Coionel Pole-Penton, and a large crowd of the public. At the call of Mr Seddon three cheers were given for the men, but there was no other ceremony. The men were invited to Government House in the afternoon. The Exchange Telegraph Company's special correspondent, writing from Aliwal North on March 16th says : Rebels and some Free Staters came in during the morning, and this afternoon a squad of about '2OO arrived and laid down their arms. They looked pitiable —half-started, badly clothed, unkempt, with horses in poor condition »nd saddlery to match. Many complain of b»d treatment by Boer leaders, statiDg emphatically they were sent on commando against their wishes. General Brabant's action in arresting leading rebels has been greatly appreciated by all Britishers, especially returned refugees, and many allidavits have been made by men and women who have endured iusult during the four months of dreary waiting in Aliwal, The most popular arrest was that of Attorney Smuts, last year mayor of the town, but known as a rebel. Majur Owen Thomas and a few of Brabant's Horse were amongst the very first to enter the town, and were surrounded and welcomed by many ladies, who informed the major that a notorious rebel wa3 watching rouud the corner. Major Thomas straightway set off, and with little ceremony put Smuts under arrest and marched him off to gaol. Women were wild with delight at this prompt action, and some who had been harshly treated by the prisoner had to be restrained by main force, otherwise the fat Dutch attorney would have been li.nbed. Crowds of natives followed Smuts to the prison, shouting and yelling. The greatest topic of conversation is the iinal treatment of the rebels. The rank and tile cannot be imprisoned, otherwise the land would be depopulated, but loyalists iDtend to see to it that leaders such as Attorney Smuts, " Pony" De Wet, M.L.A., and others are treated with the strictest justice.