'Our Bounden Duty'

Richard Seddon addresses Parliament on Transvaal

This week in New Zealand history, Richard Seddon convinces Parliament to authorise the raising of a 200-man contingent of mounted rifles to serve in South Africa in preparation for hostilities with the Boer Republics. Over time, New Zealand would send over 6000 soldiers to fight in South Africa across multiple contingents.

As usual with our quote or speech transcription posts, we leave the speech to speak for itself. Premier Richard Seddon addresses Parliament on the 28th of September, 1899:

Another reason we should take action is that we are a portion of the dominant family of the world - we are of the English-speaking race. Our kindred are scattered in different parts of the globe, and wherever they are, no matter how far distant apart, there is a feeling of affection - there is that crimson tie, that bond of unity, existing which time does not affect, and as years roll by it grows firmer, stronger, and in the end will become indispensable.

It was said in years gone by that the moment the colonies became sufficiently strong they would seek to sever the tie between themselves and the Mother-country. There were those misguided statesmen who said the only way to bind the colonies to the Mother-country was by using a firm hand and denying them self-government; but there were others, again, who said, ‘Give the greatest freedom, trust to better nature and the natural tie, and that trust will not be misplaced.’

Today we have that faith justified. We have undoubted proof that with a free Constitution, with the right of self-government, mutual confidence has been established, and with the greater freedom has grown a patriotism hardly possible to conceive; and, as years have rolled on, the tie between the Motherland and her colonies has grown so strong, so firm, that today we have a sight which, whilst gratifying to us, mystifies and almost paralyses the other nations of the globe.

This pleasing feature, this drawing closer together, gladdens the hearts of our kindred at Home, and tends to their prosperity and well-being, and it is especially pleasing also to those in this colony. When adversity comes there is sincere sympathy, and there is a feeling on our part in the colonies to as far as we can mitigate and help to remove and minimise that adversity. 

Some two years ago you will remember that from all parts of the earth there were those who gathered together to do honour to our good and gracious Queen, and by that Jubilee pageant, and those who took part therein, a lesson was taught as to what our Constitution really meant: we were honourably upholding and demonstrating that Constitution and paying a well-deserved tribute to its head - the greatest and best woman living. And not only that, but we proved that, though far distant and under many climes, there is a bond between her children and liege subjects which can never be severed; and, as we sent out troops to take part in that Jubilee, and as they were admired by our kindred at Home, and by those of other nations who were gathered together on that great occasion, so will the world yet recognise that on the battlefield; and when the necessity arises for that valour which distinguishes our race being displayed, there will be no hesitation, no holding back, on our part, and that to the death shall we prove true to our race, and prove that we are akin.

I say the civilised world, whilst wondering, will admire and applaud: and I have no hesitation in saying that, as our troops acquitted themselves very creditably at Home on the occasion of the Jubilee, so, should the occasion arise, will they give a good account of themselves on the battlefield of the Transvaal. 

I again repeat that in prosperity we are with our kindred, and that in adversity they shall have our help and sympathy. The question with the unthinking may arise as to what is the connection between the colonies and the Empire. I say it is a connection so closely interwoven with our interests, so inseparably bound are we together, that if you take from the Empire her colonies you weaken that Empire. If, on the other hand, you keep together the Empire is strengthened. Take it on sordid grounds if you like, and we know how much to us is the Empire. 

We know that the Mother-country has given us our birthright of freedom. We know, of course, what she is doing for us each and every day of our existence. The British flag is our protection; without belonging to the Empire where would New Zealand be? What would be the natural result? We should be under some other nation, perhaps treated as are the Outlanders in the Transvaal. Should we enjoy the rights and privileges which are dear to Englishmen, and which we at present possess? The answer is, no. I therefore say it is to our interest to remain as we are. It is our bounden duty to support the Empire, and to assist in every way the Imperial authorities whenever occasion demands.

I would like to direct the attention of honourable members to our first line of defence in these colonies - the Australian squadron. Of course, we pay our share - something like £20,000 a year - but see what the British taxpayer contributes to the maintenance of that squadron. I say that our contribution is small indeed compared to the total cost and what is borne for us in this respect by the British taxpayer. Has there been a single complaint, has there been a murmur, from the British taxpayer - our kindred at Home - against the granting of this protection by maintaining the squadron? The answer is, no. They do it well; they do it cheerfully; and I say it is little in return that we should take the course I am now advocating, and prove to those of our race and those in the Motherland that we are prepared, outside all question of expense, to help them, and to help them as we are going to do on this occasion by sending a contingent to the Transvaal.

I am voicing the mind and the feeling of the people of this colony when I say that they support this proposal. We in this House are only the mouthpiece for the time being of the people. Take the Press of this colony, and all those who have read what appears therein must come to the conclusion that they are with us in the movement now taking place. But if you want further expression, and a further idea of what is prevailing, see the number of our Volunteers who have asked that arrangements should be made to send a contingent from this colony. 

The other day when discussing this matter with a leading citizen, he said, ‘Do you think you will get a sufficient number?’ I say if we wanted two thousand, let alone two hundred, there are those in our colony prepared to go forth and do battle for the Empire whenever and wherever it is deemed necessary. I am not so sure whether it would not be wise, outside these proposals - because there will be heartburnings amongst those not selected; there are those, probably, of the Native race who cannot comply with the conditions laid down by the Commander of the Forces - to say, ‘We will pay the passages of those who volunteer to join the British forces and fight with those more favoured who will go in the New Zealand contingent.’ 

Sir, I say we are, apart altogether from the ties of kindred, partners in that Empire which is the envy of the civilised world, and as partners sharing the profits, and knowing the advantages there are in that partnership, shall it be said that we failed to bear our fair share of the responsibility and to give the help that is in our power to give? My answer is, no. I feel satisfied that the people of this colony - that those representing the people of this colony in this House - will practically be unanimous in agreeing to the proposals now submitted.

Sir, I have said there have been errors in the past. Those errors have to some extent been atoned; it is the present we have to grapple with. There has been, in connection with this Transvaal, circumstances which we all deplore. I need not remind members of one incident - it is unpardonable - when a hundred and fifty practically unarmed soldiers were shot down at Brontker’s Spruit. All Britishers unfeignedly regret what befell our arms at Majuba Hill, although on that score we have no complaint to make. I say the Boers proved themselves our superiors on that occasion; but there were circumstances otherwise in connection with the Transvaal which were discreditable to the Boers, and these things have not been forgotten.

I say if the time has arrived to wipe out these stains of years ago it is not of our seeking or provoking. Our fellow countrymen have appealed for help, for justice, and freedom, and the time has arrived for us to do our duty. The British flag has been planted in South Africa; it has given freedom to the Boers: it gave them protection. We have joined there in assisting them to maintain their position. Now all that is claimed is that they shall recognise the British suzerainty - that they shall observe that pledge which, in their hour of need, they gave, and which was to their advantage. I say that we cannot now with honour retire from the present position. There may be a possibility of war being yet averted. I sincerely hope it will, but it is well to be prepared. 

There are some who think that at the last moment the terms and conditions which have been imposed will be accepted. We must be prepared for the worst, and if it is cabled out that war is proclaimed we shall have satisfaction in knowing that we are prepared for that emergency, and have made provision to render assistance. If, on the other hand, peace with honour is obtained - if the conditions are acceded to - then, again, we may claim that we have taken a part creditable to us and to the profit of the Empire. 

But what I say is of the greatest advantage in carrying these proposals is that it strengthens the hands of the Imperial authorities, and that in what we are doing we are acting in accordance with the wishes and consistent with the desires of those of our kindred in the Mother-country, and I say good must result therefrom; and if, as must be the case in the end, by force of intellect, by force of arms, and by the course we are now asking you to join in, victory attends our efforts, victory means freedom to those who have been deprived of their civil rights; and in so obtaining those rights you are also maintaining the rights of yourselves, and proving to other nations throughout the world that wherever Britons live - wherever the British flag floats - there is freedom and there is justice and there are equal rights.

In obtaining and maintaining these rights it may be that the blood of some of our young New Zealanders may stain the Transvaal soil. It may be that with it will flow and mingle the blood of our kindred from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia; but should it be so ordained, let the mingling of that blood bring this consolation: that it has been shed righteously in the cause of freedom; and rest assured that for those who may mourn the loss of those who have perished there will still be a satisfaction in knowing that when peril beset the Empire, and when the just demands of its rulers were ignored, we here in New Zealand, of our own free-will and accord, gave a helping hand and demonstrated to the world how much we valued the freedom of our kindred, and that we belong to a race that never deserted a friend in the hour of adversity. 

In prosperity we share, in adversity likewise, and will not shirk our share of the responsibility. Let us, in the hour of trouble and anxiety, show to the world we are a free and enlightened people, and in rendering this assistance all we seek, all we ask for, is freedom and civil rights for our oppressed kindred in the Transvaal, and in that spirit and on these grounds I ask the House to unanimously pass this resolution.

Upon the completion of the debate and the vote (54 to 5 in favour), MPs then rose and fervently sang God Save the Queen, and, on the call of the Premier, gave three cheers for the Queen.