The news from Natal is on the whole somewhat better,
but it would be unwise not to recognise that there is still cause for very grave anxiety. The Militia are in pursuit of Bambaata, who is believed to have left Zululand and to have recrossed the Tugela. Though there has been some talk about unwilling- ness on the part of Natal to accept the aid of Imperial troops, there need be no fear that this attitude will be persisted in should any real necessity arise for their employment. The fact that they are on the spot and ready for action exercises a great influence, not only in steadying the wavering chiefs, but in preventing panic in the Colony. We are glad to note the ease and rapidity with which the Transvaal has been able to mobilise a regiment of mounted men of high quality. In the Vryheid district ex-Commandant Grobelaar has raised a com- mando of two hundred Boers to assist in keeping order. It is to be hoped that the Colonists will not excite themselves over telegrams in regard to the action of isolated Members of Parliament on behalf of the natives. Such action is,' we believe, thoroughly well meant, and therefore deserves respect —we trust there will never be a time when voices will not be raised in England to secure that the case for the natives shall receive full consideration and justice—but there is no fear of it hurrying the 'Government into foolish or precipitate action. They will do nothing which will prevent the homes of white Colonists—British and Dutch—receiving the most absolute protection from destruction at the hands of the rebels.
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