THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 17, 21 January 1901, Page 5

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

The Mayor has telegraphed to the Acting-Premier asking whether it won Id bo possible i'or the contingent to leave Auckland on the 30th instead oi: on the 20th. If Mr. Ward replies in the affirmative the date will be fixed by the General Committee tomorrow. At present Ihe ti'udesmcn wish the date, to be the 29th. while the committee wish to have the departure fixed for the following1 day, in order that the steamers placed at their disposal may be available.

Up to the present no reply has been received from Sir Maurice O'Rorke, expressing his willingness or otherwise to speak at the farewell function. A telegram was sent to Sydney, but Sir Maurice could not be found.

A large number of visitors were present at the Domain camp on Sqnday afternoon, in spite of the, unpleasant weather. Lieutenant Markham, who has been appointed to the command of the Auckland division of the Sixth Contingent, returned from Sydney this morning, and at once proceeded . to camp at the Domain.

The Auckland men received their first instalment of pay to-day. 'During the day they were instructed in guard mounting and outpost work, and memnted drill.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

"WELLINGTON, this day.

It lias been ascertained that Ihero are 193 vacancies in t,he present contingents in South Africa, divided as follows: Second Contingent, 80; Third, si; Fourth, 31; Fifth, ?J>. The men now in cimp are being given the option of joining any of: these contingents if they desire.