NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS. THE REJECTED MEN.

Auckland Star, Issue 66, 19 March 1900, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS. THE REJECTED MEN.

In reference to the dissatisfaction arising out of the great number of men offering for service in the Fifth Contingent and the consequent rejection of a large number who had made personal sacrifices to serve their country, by coming from various parts of tiie province and leaving their situations, the Hon.' Mr Jennings, who was interviewed by thirty of the rejected men, saw Colonel Banks on their behalf, and subsequently telegraphed to the Defence Minislor( Right Hon. R. J. Seddon) pointing out tbe difficulties that had occurred, suggesting that all men over the required one hundred men who passed the shooting, riding, and medical tests, should be balloted for, so as to prevent any suspicion of unfairness in the selection; failing this, an additional fifty men should be taken from Auckland. The Premier replied that he would communicate with the officer commanding the forces on the subject, but did not. think it possible to take any more men, as in all parts of the colony twice as many men were offering as the Government can take. The resultof Mr Jennings telegram has been that a number of the men who felt agrieved, will hare another opportunity of being selected. On this being told them they passed by acclamation a vote of thanks to Sir Jennings, for the action he had taken.