CHAMBERLAIN'S DESPATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 54, 5 March 1900, Page 5

CHAMBERLAIN'S DESPATCH.

REQUEST FOR 2000 ADDITIONAL IRREGULARS.

A HEARTY RESPONSE

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 Bushmen's Contingent, for general service anywhere in South Africa. Probably the force will be required outside Natal and Cape Colony, in which case privates will be paid 5s per day and other ranks proportionately. Mr Chamberlain says he is confident Australia will respond patriotically to this further call. Realising the magnitude of the efforts already made by Australia, the Imperial authorities will'defray all expenses of arming, mounting, and transportation. Mr Chamberlain asked Mr Lyne to repeat the message to all the colonies, excluding New Zealand. SYDNEY, March 4. Mr Lyne states that the proposed new regiment will probably be raised on a. population basis. All the Premiers have agreed to assist in forming it, and only the details as to its composition remain to bo settled. ; Queensland offered to, contribute 500, ' and West Australia replied "With you body and soul." New South Wales' j quota will be about 750 and there will |be no difficulty in raising them. The ! 350 men who failed to find places in I the Bushmen's Contingent now in I camp are ready to go. Mr Lyne coni aiders that it Is a high compliment to ! Australia to ask for more men. It also shows that the Imperial authorities anticipate a prolonged campaign wherein mounted men will be essential. MELBOURNE, March 4. The Premier has replied to Mr Chamberlain's despatch that Victoria will send her full share of the new force. This means about 700 mon. ADELAIDE, this day. This colony contributes 200 to the new force for South Africa.