MR CHAMBERLAIN'S DESPATCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxi, Issue 5055, 5 March 1900, Page 2

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S DESPATCH.

FURTHER AID FROM THE OOIONIBH.

AN ADDITIONAL TWO THOUSAND MEN REQUIRED,

United Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

Sydney, March 3. Mr Chamberlain's secret despatch has been published. It states that the Imperial Government requires an additional 2000 men, similar to the buehmen, for general service anywhere in South Africa. Probably the forca will be required outside Natal and Ope Colony, in which case privates will be paid 53 per day, and other ranks proportionately. Mr Chamberlain is confident that; Australia will -respond patriotically to the further call. Realising the magnitude of the efforts already made by Australia, the Imperial authorities will defray all the expenses of arming, mounting, and transportation.

Mr Chamherlain asked Mr Lyne to repeat the message to all the colonies, excluding New Zealand. March 4.

Mr Lyne states that the new regiment willl probably be raised on a population basis. All the Premiers have agreed to asaiafc in forming it, and only the details of composition remain to be settled. Queensland offered to contribute 500. Westralia replied, " With you, body and soul" New South Wales' quota will be about 750, and there will be no difficulty in raising it. Three hundred and fifty who failed to find places in the Bushmen's Contingent are now in camp, and are ready to go. Mr Lyne considers that it is a high compliment to Australia to ask for more men, and that it also shows tbe Imperial authorities anticipate ft prolonged campaign, wherein mounted men will be essential..

Melbourne, March 4 The Premier replied to Mr Chamberlain's despatch that Victoria will send her full share of the new force, This means about 700 men.