21 APRIL 1900, Page 3

A Reuter telegram from Bloetufontein published in Thursday's papers records

the beginning of a movement which will, we believe, be fraught with the greatest possible good to South Africa and the Empire. Reservists, in view of the possibilities of the country, are, we are told, seriously considering the question of settling there, as they realise that the demand for skilled labour after the war is likely to be enormous. "An officer of one of the Guards regiments has made private inquiries among the Reservists in his own com- pany, and has found twelve men willing and anxious to stay in the country." The great difficulty is of course the expense of bringing their families over, but the hope is expressed tEat the Government, on the conclusion of the war, "instead of incurring the e:_pense of sending these men home, will contribute a substantial sum of money towards the passage out of their wives and families." This is the proposal which it may be remembered was made by us at the very beginning of the war. Many officers who are deeply interested in this question have formed an informal committee and intend to bring before the British public proposals somewhat in the nature of those I have mentioned. Such action, they urge, would be likely to secure at small expense a fixed loyal population." We are delighted to hear that a body of officers are taking up this most important and patriotic work.