EIGHTH CONTINGENT,

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 290, 14 December 1901, Page 2

EIGHTH CONTINGENT,

OFFER OF A THOUSAND MEN AND OFFICERS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, last night. The Premier cabled through the Governor to tho Imperial authorities offering a thousand men and officers for service in South Africa, length of service to be 12 months, or till close of war if sooner. He asks that this contingent be amalgamated with the Sixth and Seventh, and placed in one column. The Premier expresses belief in his telegram that additional men would not be required if all Statesmen and parties in the United Kingdom had been guided by love of their country and patriotism, and that there can bo little doubt that the unguarded speeches and writings have encouraged the Boers to go on with the hopeless struggle.

OFFERING OF MEMBERS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Auckland, last night. Throe Auckland City Members and Mr Jackson Palmer, member for Ohinemuri, supported the proposal to send an Eighth Contingent to South Africa. Mr Witheford qualifying his approval of this with the condition that the Imperial Government should first apply for more men.

Y’esterday Mr Wi Pore received a telegram from the Premier asking for an expression of his opinion with regard to the advisability of sending an Eighth Contingent to South Africa. Mr Wi Pere replied by telegram heartily supporting the proposal. lie urged that every step should be taken to speedily subdue the Boers who were an enemy to both European and Native races.