FIVE HUNDRED MEN ALREADY OFFERED AND ACCEPTED.

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

FIVE HUNDRED MEN ALREADY OFFERED AND ACCEPTED.

United Press Association—By Electric (Telegraph Auckland, March 3

To-day the Premier said to a Presa representative, in reference to the mysterious cablegram received by the New South Wales Premier :—•'As far as I can gather, the general opinion seems to be that the copmunication sent by the Imperial authorities is respecting more troops for South Africa. Sometime ago the New Zealand Gorernmenfe offered a fifth contingent) for South Africa, which was accepted, and the nr.ea for this force are now coming into camp. If the communication received in New South Wales refers to this question, New Zealand is evidently at leasb a forfcnigeb ahead of Australia respecting this matter. Tbe Government is in close touch with the Secretary of State, and oertainly no oommucioa* tion of an alarming character hai been received in New Zealand, but quite the reverse.'

Referring to the above the Pi ess lays :— We may add that the Premier, in a private telegram to Mr G. G. Stead, containing the information given above, stated that the cS't to the Secretary of State for the Colonies of a Fifth Contingent was made a fortnight &go, and that the offer having been accepted, the contingent would be despatched shortly after the departure of the Fourth Contingent