1224
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 55

of New Zealand was the first to offer assistance in the emergency of the Empire that had arisen in South Africa; and that a contingent from our shores should be the first to land at the seat of war is a matter for proud recollection.

In view of the continued necessities of the campaign, this colony has, in addition, sent four other contingents to do battle in South Africa for justice and freedom, on behalf of those of our kindred who were denied liberty and who suffered oppression, and if need be is quite prepared to send more and larger contingents to follow.

By their spontaneous yet deliberate and determined action, the people of this colony have, of their own volition, assumed a responsibility in regard to the Empire, far-reaching in effect and self-sacrificing and patriotic in its nature.

It is gratifying to know that our action and the motives inspiring it have been fully appreciated by our kinsmen across the seas.

The arming, equipping, and sending free of cost to either the Imperial Government or the Government of this colony, of one contingent, and the sending of another on similar conditions with the exception of the cost of transport, are matters for which the colony has every reason to feel proud, and demonstrate a patriotism which is lasting, solid, and sincere.

The New Zealand soldiers in South Africa have acquitted themselves admirably, and have well maintained the traditions of our nation, and proved that climatic changes and distance from the Mother-country have in no way damped the military ardour, curtailed the powers of endurance, or otherwise deteriorated the race. Our soldiers fighting on the veldt in South Africa have done our colony credit, and have won the commendation of the distinguished Commander-in-Chief and of the able generals under him, and are entitled to our gratitude, as they have won our admiration.

The call of the Empire to her sons has been cheerfully responded to, but not without suffering, for in the struggle many valuable lives have been lost, and ere the end comes others, no doubt, will be sacrificed. I feel sure that you will join with me in offering to the bereaved relatives our heartfelt sympathy.

Much to their disappointment, it was not found possible to accept the offer made by the Maori people to furnish a contingent. Their devotion to the Queen, however, found expression in the generous contributions which were made to the several patriotic funds.

The surrender to Germany of British rights in Samoa has caused considerable disappointment, but I hope countervailing advantages to Great Britain have been secured by the cession of certain valuable rights in other islands. I feel satisfied that the matter was well considered, and that those upon whom the responsibility rests deemed the arrangement to be in the best interests of the Empire.

My Advisers consider it to be of the first importance to the Empire and this colony that British interests in the islands of the Pacific should be definitely conserved, and, in respect to several of the islands, that, with the concurrence of the inhabitants, annexation should, where possible, take place. With a view of removing difficulties and providing satisfactory administration, the extension of the boundaries of this colony may be found necessary, and, if so, the people of New Zealand may be required to assume the increased responsibility.

The prospect of the early federation of the Australian Colonies is a matter of great interest to New Zealand; and, although my Advisers deem it not desirable or opportune for us to federate at the present time, we entertain no unfriendly feeling towards the natural aspirations of our Australian neighbours. Looking to the future, as an outlying State directly interested, representations were made to the Secretary of State on the subject.

In the stress of a terrible famine the Viceroy of India appealed to this country, as well as to other portions of the Empire, for help on behalf of the millions of human beings, our fellow-subjects, famine-stricken and helpless in that part of the Empire; and after consulting members of Parliament my Ministers decided that substantial aid from the colony should be forwarded.

A conflagration exceptionally widespread in its devastating effects befell the City of Ottawa, and thousands of people were left homeless and destitute. My