THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1901. THE PENALTY OF LOOTING

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 108, 14 February 1901, Page 2

THE WAIMATE ADVERTISER. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1901. THE PENALTY OF LOOTING

As there has been much talk of late over alleged plundering atrocities by the British .soldier, it may lie of interest to many to read the following, which was, from the beginning of the war

till some months ago at least, read out in orders every morning: - commissioned “ officers and men are reminded “that any person committing an “ act of looting, such as entering a house without leave and taking

■ from thence a loaf of bread, 1 renders himself liable to be ‘ hanged. Complaints having

been received that such acts “ have been committed, steps are “ being taken which will probably ‘•lead to (he capture of an

“ oJlender, who will not be treated

“wiih leniency.” Thai it was

I the intention of the Commander-ia-Chief to treat the people of the country with every consideration is very apparent. Everything taken in the form of provisions or forage was paid for at high rates, guards being placed on the farms of even known rebels until the troops were ready to move. The result of such action with a reasoning and reasonable people would be to lead them to cease a vain resistance, but it evidently had the opposite effect on the Boers. This clemency was mistaken for fear, every house was more bold, and made a minature storehouse, and the Boer would carry nothing but his rifle and a moderate supply of ammunition, picking up everything else by the way. Hence sterner measures had to be

dopted, but even now the people

are treated with the utmost consideration. Nothing now remains but the deportation of every known Boer sympathiser on whom hands can be laid. Then when the war is concluded and

ho country at rest, they may be 1 lowed to return, for it is unlikely uit a t r the mass of the people

have had a few years of British rule they will be at all desirous of changing the freedom of its flag for their late corrupt system of administration.