THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIII, Issue 12159, 24 March 1900, Page 7

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

THE BOER OVERTURES TO THE POWERS. MEDIATION REFUSEDDESTRUCTION OF RAILWAY. BRIDGES. THE ADMINISTRATION OP THE PREE STATE. FREE STATERS SURRENDERING. PRESIDENT STEM’S HONS. ' “ APPALLING EFFRONTERY.” MR SEDDON’S SUGGESTION. A NEWSPAPER EULOGY. A TOWN BURNED BY BOERS,' REPORTED RELIEF ,0E MAFEKING.. REBELLION IN CAPE COLONY CRUSHED. . United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—CopyrightLONDON, March 22. All the Powers have replied negatively to President Kruger’s and President Steyn’e overtures for mediation. Cablegrams from Pretoria reached the Foreign Office yesterday to the effect that the Transvaalers have blown up three railway bridges between Bloemfontein and Kroonstad. This'is taken as an indication that it is not intended to defend the 3?ree State.

There are indications that Lord Roberts and Sir Alfred JJilner are settling the conditions of the surrender and administration of the Free State and the treatment >of rebels. ' The Free State burghers desiring to surrender are so numerous that Lord Robert* has sent small columns in various direction* to register their names. • General Clement’s three columns, including the West Australians, the South Australians and Colonel Price’s Second Vic- . torian Mounted Rifles, are advancing to Bloemfontein by way of Philippolis and Fauresmith. PRESIDENT STEYN’S ACCUSATIONS. NEWSPAPER COMMENT. ; LONDON, March 22. President Stayn’s -accusatory reply to Lord Roberts’s protest is attributed to i President Kruger. The newspapere stigmatise the message as an appalling piece of effrontery, which completes the Boers’ own undoing. A TRANSVAAL MISSION. SAVING THE SKINS OF TRAITORS. LONDON, March 22. The “ Morning Post ” states that Messrs Fischer, Wessefe and Wolmerans are taking to Russia for safety, documents implicating President Steyn and the members of the Afrikander Bond in Cape Colony. NEW ZEALAND’S OFFER OF SUPPORT. COMPLIMENTARY REFERENCES. LONDON, March 22. The “Times” states that the Australian opinion regarding the South African settlement ought to have a special wholesome influence on American opinion. The question of Australian troops freeing the Imperial troops has impressed the Contine'ntal and British newspapers, but it considers the contingency of complications remote, and it is unlikelier still in the presence of pronouncements such as Mr Sed* don’e, A NATAL TOWN BURNED. LONDON, March 22. The Boers have burned the town of Pomeroy. Lord Hindlip has been appointed a secom} lieutenant in the Royal Irish Hussars. THE MAFEKING RELIEVING FORCE. SHARP FIGHTING SOUTH OF I.OBATSL MR SCHREINER’S CONDESCENSION. LONDON, March 22. Colonel Plumer’s advance to th» relief of Mafeking is being hampered by thus:, trainloads of supplies for the besieged. Artillery at Fourteen Streams drove the ' Boers in the direction of Christiania. General Synman, with a large force) sharply but indecisively attacked Colonel Plumes . south of Lobatsi on March 15- Ho left only a few men and guns around Matching. The Bechuana chief, Bathcon, is guarding Colonel Plumer’s right by threatening to assail the Boers if they encroach .on his territory. Mr Schreiner has consented to deolare » public holiday after Mafeking is relieved. THE THIRD CONTINGENT. THE KNIGHT TEMPLAR AT DURBAN. LONDON, March 22. The Knight Templar has arrived at Durban. THE BOERS IN DAMARALAND. A PROTEST FROM GERMANY. : # BERLIN, March 23. The newspapers protest against the intajigration of the Boers to DamaraJani, and

Jwtbefr -KhiSfc if. rfc' is :camed out it 1 will causa ■Milt. ■ BOHBEINER’S change op atti- ■ TUBE. H -KRUGER AND STEYN AT CROSS ■ -PURPOSES^ H ■ :.®BE REBELS IN CAPE COLONY. ■ '‘C:/ . LONDON, March 23. I -Mr’ Schreiner, in an unexpectedly cordial H that the gallant drifbnce of-Ma-Wtihg is probably the most dramatic .scene ■ of the war. He says that he hopes that the holiday which he pfbmised upoh the relief af the town may come soon. Lord Kitchener is at Doornbergnek. The Bloemfontein correspondent of the * few” states'that President,. on H -March. 21 issued a proclamation, annexing the Free State. President ;Steyn published • .counter-proclamation that , the Free State ■ wM"int«ct:' The “Daily Mail” states that ■ steyn, replying to Lord Roberts, declared that the Government .was unchanged, and ifcit-.hewas commandeering as penal. • I General Brabant has occupied Bouxville ■ •ndZastron.H General Gatacre’s detachment at Smith®eld captured some Transvaalers, loads of ammunition and guns. ■ A handful of H'labels who quitted previous to the capture, am reported, to have passed Johannesburg the .direction of the Sand River. ■ .«KWP B , i Te" reinforcing them. ” ■ carried flowers for the'wound- ■ at Woolwich, including Private -King. ■ fli the Connaught Regiment, who was shot ■ ftirteen times in .the firing line at the bat-' H -He ,':-of Colenso. . ■ REPORTED RELIEF OF MAFEKING. I AN UNCONFIRMED STORY. ■ l LONDON, March 23. I It is reported that Mafeking has been I ielieved. The War: Office awaits verificaH (ion oft the ■report, ■ The War Office withholds,' until vcri■life -'the, message that Mafeking has been I ■ Wieved,A soout brought the ,news that ■ Britishers are going north. I ''.THE BURNING OF POMEROY. I % GENERAL BULLER’S advance. I " LONDON, March 23. ■ ■■'’Tnoendiariste destroyed Pomeroy. Five B Utonaand Boers are posted on the hills at I Ihe rear of the town.. 81.B 1 . General Buller has engaged 600. stretcherI l^aarers .preparatory for his advance. B, The - -Daily Chronicle ” states that Gene- ■ cal Warren's division is embarking at Dnr- ■ km for East-London. B■ !f• (.y,■ i ■ —— : I CAPE REBELS CRUSHED. ■ H-•-I CONFERENCE OF THE PRESIDENTS. I LONDON, March 23. I The rebellion at Prieska, Griquatown, I > CirHarvon, and, The “ Daily News ” states that the Presi)|ent« will meet at Kroonstad to discuss the *i taxation. ■: The feeling between the two Republics is very bitter. THE'BUSHMEN’S CONTINGENT. '■: r . '• - BRISBANE, March 23. &■ . MiLyne replied to the Premier’s sugges. tion ae to the increase of the’lmperial Bushmen’s Contingent, that the available transjwfts'iresre barely sufficient for two thousand men and horses. -Four Companies of Imperial Bushmen have been completed. There are sufficient suit- ' able men available to fill the remainder, f ■ : ’iA’-: • ; '■ THE PRESENT POSITION. - OPINIONS OF AN EX-MILITARY ... . OFFICER. .v-,-; (ByBHAMABIDIKWL) NOTES. ’■ The news .received 1 from Mafeking yester•,.ldiy. again Compels 1 our * anxious attention ' iina keen solicitude. It takes • .seven - and .-■mMQetimM eight days for tidings, of. events ' occurring near Mafeking to reach us. As explained to readers of these notes ,'giHtfe'time ago, there are six'Boer laagers tmiid Mafeking, each having average pf at feast 400. men, so that Commandant Rpyjpaiv after'leaving about 60 or 70 men. in 1 diieh tp. thoroughly occupy the attention of the garrison' by keeping up a heavy and contiaious .-fire, . still _had probably, 2000 men, wiib-nhmerous guns, with which to attack fbe British. -Colonel Plumeria force, on the we should not improbably of npti moire, .than 700,.men, ‘%dbh probably a'weaker fwce of “guffs s thkn Ibat'.poesessed by the enemy.:V Being ham-, pered, a3kb, 1 with three' train-loads of prohi3'forca is not so . mobile dr iso readEy handled.-as it woul4 othqtrwi se .have. been, , which is a. serious ■ lwn<£lcsp' id h’fs chances. ' * ,:?■ :feje' cable message says, that • Snyman, with a large force, sharply, biit indecisively, attached; Colonel Plumer south of Lobatsi on 'March 15, and that the Bechuana chief, Batbeon, with a force', was practi(reaily guarding Plumer’s right by. threatening to. assail; the Boers if they encroached on bis'itf^ritoiy.-. Td attempt to form an opinion with the mpjewhat meagre information we have as -tio'-tfae-chaztces of the British force succeeding ‘ would 'be difficult, and we can only ■ pw'^t. : *he. turn ,bf events. That our brave a: very, big contract,- considering the ’strerigth'-'-of -the ■ r «n«nrff ’ds certain. That the Boers will repeated attempts to crush them may equailiy .he reckoned on, and if Colonel 1 yqdnvw! sucpebded in holding the, enemy at 4n its cobtinhed assaults, Mafeking has l.be«i relieved before , this. On dhe other >: tlto3, Mie-position is fraught .with very big ’risks, and if Plumer found it utterly untenable, and had'to attempt tq retire, he might %»ve his retreat cut off by the Boer force retired to Zeerust, striking tearing up the railwAy line • and- cd-operatmg Vith -Shyidan : ffdbi- ®tta«ik..However, in,-,attdinptr. iis dtercule’an wslc, Plunier knew exact - I . '|ly ttie'risks he' was taldng, and .was-’able, ’ 'ffom his experience of them, to estimate the : Ifighfcing capabilities of the men he had with : him, and he was determined, doubtless,

after careful consideration, to stake everything on the attempt. If, unfortunately, he docs not succeed, it is quite possible that his force will be nearly annihilated or captured, as, should the hard pressed, they would battle bitterly to the end. However, we must hope for best, and the next day or two wi|y probably bring us very important no,,y s from this quarter.

In connection •this subject, we are told that Mr Sehpefher has magnanimously consented .to ‘ d/cclare a public holiday after Mafeking is relieved, which, coming after the loudly Expressed resentment against his previous.. Remarks, when- he undertook to rebuke British colonists for rejoicing over British victories, rather looks as. though he were drawing in his horns; of possibly he thinks, as he certainly hopes, that Mafekiag will not be relieved, but that he may as well take., credit,.beforehand for good indentions,.

-From one of the other points from which news of sharp fighting , has been expected we have received a message which, so far as it goes,. is, .satisfactory. It is vth.at - -.the British artillery at'Fourteen Streams drove out the Boers from their position and compelled them to retire in the direction of Christiania, in a north-easterly direction, along the Vaal River. This will enable the British to throw -out a .covering force between the enemy and the railway line, while the bridge which the Boers had destroyed at this position is repaired. It is quite likely, however, that the enemy will shortly return in much larger force, and we may look for more heavy fighting in this neighbourhood very--shortly. Natal is the third point from which there is sure to be important news within - the next day or two. The fact that the Boers have burned the town of Pomeroy points to the probability that they have done so previous to retiring in the face of a strong British column, probably under Sir Charles Warren; which is advancing against their left -flank.. There -has; been ample -time for this force, considering that the bridge across the Colenso has been re-built, to have got; 'Within - striking: distance, and we I 'may look with certainty for a resumption of fighting at ah early- date.- ' -In ’the Free State:everything is’progressing smoothly. To 'those who do not fully realise what it means to thoroughly provision the large force of occupation, the delay may seem a little' unaccountable, but while Generals Gatacre arid Brabant are pacifying ■ the central and eastern districts, time has to be allowed for General Clement’s three columns to act in a similar manner in the south-western districts, as they are now doing, advancing by way of Philopolis' and Fauresmith. The- Free State burghers desiring to surrender are so numerous that Lord Roberta has sent small columns in various directions to register their names, and, it is to be taken for granted, to receive their arms, as, although this latter point is not mentioned, there is little doubt that it is being strictly insisted on. As surmised a day or two ago, .the objective of Sir Alfred Milner’s journey was Bloemfontein, where he is conferring with Lord Roberts upon the treatment of rebels, the conditions of surrender, and the administration of the Free State. Very probably, on about Monday, a' decided forward movement will be commenced, and in the mearitime we can hardly -expect much fresh news. Cables from Pretoria inform us that the Transvaalers have blown up three railway bridges between Bloemfontein and Kroonstad, which is taken as an indication that it is not intended to defend the Free State. The" bridges referred ' to will probably be those over the Modder River and the two forks of the Vet River, over all three of which the main north line passes. Kroonstad is situated on the north bank of the Valsch River, and it is just possible, though hardly very likely, that the -Boers will also blow up the bridge at that point and make a stand there, with the object of delaying the -British seizing the line lately constructed from Kroonstad to- Harrismith.

To-day or on Monday we may hear some-thing-further- of the movements of Lord Kitchener • and our Second New Zealand Contingent, as he is not the man to allow grass to grow nnder his feet. We should also have further information of the. measures taken against the force, of colonial rebels who, we were told, were threatening Victoria West on March. 19. This thoroughly deals with, the doings of the contending forces in the extended field of operations. The Knight Templar, with our Third Contingent, arrived at Durban, probably on March . 21, so that we may hear now at any moment where the contingent will be ordered to.

The German newspapers are protesting against the immigration of the Boers to Damaraland, and rightly predict that if it is carried out it will cause trouble. '

The telegram from stating that it is generally understood at that place that the Fifth Contingent will proceed to Rhodesia to be employed there after the war on police patrol duty, will probably prove correct, as a cable a day or two ago informed us that Major-General Carrington was raising a force for .the protection of Rhodesia, and that 2500 Australian Bushmen would form half the strength of that body. The fact that Australia has raised 2000 extra men, and New Zealand 500 certainly seems to confirm this opinion. The determination of the British Government to allow the New Zealand and Australian Governments to nominate a number of colonials for commissions in the British army is an excellent one, and is likely" to, bear good fruits, and with the object of securing the best men of all classes and not merely those whom fortune has smiled upon, the writer trusts that, when the War Office and the Army is thoroughly taken in hand and reformed bn the 'lines that the experiences of this war have, shown to.be desirable; the uniform of British officers .will he of the simplest, description, so that men of moderate means, inclined for a-military career;,- may riot he shut; put by reason of the'tremendous and Unnecessary initial expenses. If carried qut. in this spirit, and if colonials are welcomed in a brotherly fashion, as they doubtless will be, it will ' tend, 'greatly towards solidifying the Empire. .

THE MAORIS AND THE WAR. ,[Per Press Association..] WELLINGTON, . March 23; A great Native patriotic demonstration took place at Papawai, and was attended by some five thousand people. The Hon J. Carroll and' the Hon J. M’Gowan were present. The former spoke briefly, and Bishop Wallis also addressed the assembly. A body of five hundred Natives danced and gave a sham fight between the Boers and British. Luncheon .was served to two thonsand ,visitors- Immense quantities o.f 'produce Were'sent in to be disposed of in aid of the Patriotic Fund. The function ended with a ball, which was most successful. THE •FIRST'CONTINGENT. y; vv - ; DEATH GF A TROOPER.. .[Per, Press. Association.] - . AUCKLAND, -March 23.A private cable message, announces the -death from fever of Trooper James Jenks, of the First Contingent. Trooper Jenks was a native of Papakura Valley, Auckland, and was formerly a member of the Manurcwa division’of the Auckland Mounted Rifles.THE FOURTH CONTINGENT: [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 23. The following message was sent by the Mayor of Wellington to Major Collins, who took the Wellington section of the . Fourth ‘Contingent to Dunedin;—“ln the name of the citizens of . Wellington and the More Men- Fund Committee, I wish to convey to the men. Of the .Wellington portion of the Fourth Contingent a farewell message. May God guide and bless you, may your mission have a.successful and speedy issue, and may you all return wearing the V.C. I am safe in promising you such, a hearty

Wcbption on yo’ar return that it will far 'outstrip the Send-off.’’ DUNEDIN, March 23. Mr W. Hutchison, formerly a member of the staff of the “Weekly Press,” has joined the Fourth Contingent as a trooper, and has been appointed orderly to Major Francis.

The work of shipping horses on theMonowai went on steadily all day. Heavy rain fell and made everything very disagreeable. The diorses of the Fifth Contingent were brought into town and were about to proceed to port, when it was ascertained that the Gymeric could nob possibly receive them, not being ready, and they -were ordered back to camp. The Premier states that they will be shipped early in the morning, and the Gymeric will leave in the afternoon. The Fourth Contingent horses for the Gymeric were stabled at- port. The ; members of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents Were entertained at a banquet to-night by the Mayor. Thpre was a large attendance, including the Governor, blit the contingent' men-having got. ivet through during the day, - only about 50 or so put in an appearance. The colleagues of the Premier to-day presented his son, Lieutenant Seddon, with a spirit flask, a golden sovereign case and a hunting crop, bearing an inscription “ Good luck to Lieutenant Seddon. From his father’s colleagues.” The Premier said that it was probably the last- opportunity he would have of addressing his son. He urged him to be manly, steadfast- and upright, and yield implicit obedience to his superior officers.

The Telegraph Office at Dunedin, will be closed from noon till one o’clock to enable the staff to witness the send-off. The banquet tendered by; the Mayor and Councillors to the Fourtli"and Fifth Contingents and visitors from various parts of the colony was held in the Agricultural Hall to-night, and was an unqualified success. His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, the Hon J. M’Kenzie, the Hon J. G. Ward and Cdmtnander Tripper of H.M.S. Pylades, were among the gueuts, who numbered close 1 on five hundred. His Excellency the (Governor, replying to the toiist of his health, referred to the letters written by “ bub’’-boys to their friends at home. There were many things in the letters be thought that would be much better left unpublished, things that the men themselves did riot desire to be published. That being so, they ought to mark their letters “private,” so that these matters would not find their way into the papers. Speeches were also made by the Hon J. G. Ward, the j. render, the Hon J. M’Kenzie, Mr J. Robin, the Mayor, Commandant Tupper, Colonel Penton and others. INVERCARGILL, March 23. An express train, drawn by two of the largest engines, left for Dunedin this morning. About five hundred of the general public, and the Garrison and Pipe Bands were on board. By the time Gore is reached, and those people who come by way of the Waimea-Kingston line are picked up, the railway authorities expect the train will contain over one thousand. Besides this train, two more are to be despatched to-night, and they are expected to be crowded also. FAREWELLS. On Thursday the employees of the Belfast Freezing Works assembled to say “ goodbye” to Mr A. Walls, one of their fellowworkers, who has joined the Fourth Contingent. They presented him with a handsome pair of field-glasses. In making the presentation, Mr Morgan referred to the esteem in which Mr Walls was held. Cheers were given for the trooper. On Wednesday evening Mr R. Johnson was entertained at a smoke concert at the Mandeville Hotel, Kaiapci, and was presented with a pair of field-glasses from his fellow-workers at the Woollen Factory. Songs were sung, and a pleasant evening was spent.. On Thursday morning a number of Mr Johnson’s friends said “ good-bye”-to him at the railway station before he left for Christchurch.

At the annual meeting of the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute last night, several member? referred to the fact that Mr Wolsey Kain, a member of the Institute, has, joined the Fifth Contingent, and the following resolution was passed:—“That this Institute learns with pride that one of its number, Mr Wolsey Kain, is about to proceed to South Africa to serve with the Fifth Contingent, and wishes him a successful career and a safe return to NeW Zealand.’’

In spite of the inclement weather, there was a large gathering of the public at the Christchurch Railway Station to see the local volunteers leave for Dunedin last night to take part in the “ send-off ” to the Fourth Contingent. The corps mustered at the Drillshed, and, headed by the Garrison Band, marched to the Railway Station, where they were entrained. The parade state of the corps, which were under the command of Major Day, was as follows: Garrison Band 32, E Battery 15, N Battery 15, Canterbury Engineers 30, City Guards 30, City Rifles 20, Sydenham Rifles 25, Linwood Rifles 35, Imperial Rifles 25, College Rifles 14, Cycle Corps 20, Mounted Rifles 5, Ellesmere Mounted Rifles 48, Kaiapoi Rifles 16, Rangiora Rifles 30, and Lyttelton Navals 40. The 400 men occupied ten carriages, and the train included eight other carriages, as well. It Was expected that 50 volunteers would be picked up at Ashburton, about 70‘at Orari, and about 100 at Timaru. Oniy about 100 excursionists went by the train from Christchurch, but a good many more, it was expected, would join at wayside stations. The train, which was timed to leave Christchurch at 7.50 p.m., did not get away until after eight o clock, and as it had been arranged that it should cross the express at Rolleston, the latter was delayed for a short time. A fatigue party went on to Dunedin to pitch the tents for the Canterbury volunteers, and to arrange for bedding and so forth. A telegram was received yesterday by Major Dav, however, stating that neither stretchers nor blankets could .be procured in Dunedin, so mariy of the men took their blankets with them. THE FIFTH CONTINGENT. THE CAMP AT ADDINGTON. At the first drill yesterday Lieutenant Bailey, who will go to Wellington in charge of the Canterbury Troop, exercised a squad in extended movement drill, and Camp-Sergeant-Major Coleman took another squad in manual and firing exercise. Captain Lindsay, on leaving the camp to go to Dunedin, was heartily cheered by the men. . At the 9.30 parade all the rnen were given further instruction in divisional drill. As many of the saddles have gone from the camp, there will be no more mounted drill. Owing to the rain which came on shortly after noon, all outside drill was suspended, and the men were exercised in the sheds in the afternoon in firing and manual drill. A gift of fruit from Mrs T. G. Russell, of Fendalton, was received at the camp yester- - day. The men of the Addington camp, numbering 60, in command, of Lieutenant Bailey, were present at the kinematograph entertainment in the Opera House last evening. They were brought down to the intersection of Tuam and Colombo Streets by special tram furnished by the Tramway Company,

and were taken back to the camp after the performance by another special tram. The, following is a complete list- of the men selected:—J. C. Anderson, Christchurch; li. G. Andrews, Mount Sonlers; T. Andrcwn, Mount Somers; J. H. Atkrinson, Shcflie.cl; Jt. R. Barrar, Timaru; W. Berry, Waddington; G. Buruip, Lyuehon; C. F. Bull, Waddington; J. Brooks, Akaroa; F. Barker, Christchurch; J. Byng, Christchurch; H. J. Boakes, Christchurch; tV. Carlyle, Knituna; A. b. Campbell, North Street, St Albans; 1. A. Chaplin, Templeton ; E. J. Clough, Chatham Islands; C. C. Cox, St Asaph Street, Christchurch; J. W. Durham, Lyitclton; D. Dunlop, Ashburton; C. Frarus, Biuccliffs; J. v ! “ z " roy, Christchurch; C. H. Foster, Christchurch; J. Grofski, Marshlands; A. R. Grofski, Marshlands; J. M’.K. Gardner, Gust; J. W. Gould, Timaru; A. Green, Christchurch; W. Liuest, Christchurch; S. W. Geddes, Orari Gorge, W. C. Goslinig, Timaru; hi. A. Hardey, Christchurch; J. H. Harwood, New Brighton; BEight, Sheffield; J. B. Hobbs, Timaru; C. W. Hill, Opawa; A. T. Hawkins, Waddington; J. Han Son, Upper Riccarton; E. Harper, St Martin’s, Opawa; S. Hodgson, Woodlands, Southland; A. C. Johnston. Christchurch; W. R. Jeffries, Hare wood Road; J. W. Jones Wilson’s Road; T. Kain, Russell’s Flat; F. Knox, Ashburton; J. Lorrimer, Kaiapoi; H. Le Grange, Longbeach; J. D. M’K. Lindsay; Lyttelton; J. F. Lindsay, Wairnate; J. G. Low, Styx; H. Lunn, Longbeach; J. Lloyd, Christchurch; A. R. Leslie, Temuka; W. Lange, Marshlands; A. Lange, Marshlands; E. J. M’Gowan, Horrelaville; W. Murphy; Christchurch; J. Murphy, Marshlands; D. M’Kay, Winchester; D. L. M’Laren, Ashburton; W. J. Mackav, Amuri; J. De P. Manson, Kirwee; H. Nicholla, St Albans; E. R. Percy, Hororata; T. H. Philpott, Styx, F. Perham, Duvauchelles Bay; C. Parker, Christchurch; J. W. Ridley, Rangiora; C. A. Rae, Waddington; W, Reed, Christchurch; F. W. Robertson, Christchurch; W. H. Reeves, Belfast; G. Reynolds, Little River; W. S. Simpson, West Oxford; G. Savage, Sunnyside; T. Shand, Auckland; F. C. Smith, St Albans; J. H. W. Smith, Ashburton; S. L. Smith, Christchurch; H.. Seymour, Christchurch; B. Strong, Christchurch; J. H. Thompson, Christchurch; C. Threlkeld, Christchurch; L. A. Taylor, Christchurch; H. Thomas, Duvauchelles Bay; J. C. Vidal, Mount Somers; G. S. W’illiams, Sydenham; N. Williams, Timaru: A. Walls, Belfast; G. Watt, Mendip Hills; A, Wilson,- Riccarton. The following are the non-commissioned officers:—L. Campbell, Studholme; L. Glcndinning, Glenlogan, Wairnate; T. C. Hill, Sydenham; R. Johnstone. Kaiapoi. The buglers -are : —F. C. Chegwin. Sydenham, and P. Lindsay, Timaru. The farriers are;:—S.• A’Court, Christchurch-, V. J. Hill, Kaiapoi; J. M’Taggart, Linwood; and Pirie, Christchurch. THE DEMONSTRATION COMMITTEE^ A meeting of the Demonstration Committee which had the management of the “ send off ” to the Third Contingent was held yesterday afternoon ; present—Messrs C. Louisson (chairman), H. B. Sorensen, H. J. Beswk-k, W. H. Cooper, G. Moon, W. Jacques, G. Hart, Dr Jennings, Captain Willis and the Mayors of Sydenham and Linwood. The Chairman said he had called the meeting in response to a request from the War Fund Committee, who had asked the committee to undertake the arrangements for a fitting “send off” to the Canterbury portion of the Fifth Contingent. The War Fund Committee had placed a sum of £IOO at the disposal of the committee. It was uniinimously decided that, the Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Executive should remain in office. The Chairman said that the Premier had stated that the “ send off ” could take place on Tuesday, and that the time could be made to suit the committee. It had been suggested that a luncheon should be given in the Opera House, and a resolution was carried to the effect that the demonstration should take that form. Captain Willis said it was more than probable that there would be some demonstration at Lyttelton when the men arrived there, and he would consult the other members of the Lyttelton committee as to what could be done. The arrangement of the d'etails was left in the hands of the Executive Committee. A meeting of the Executive was held afterwards, when it was resolved to communicate with the military authorities. Dr Jennings was authorised to arrange for the attendance of the-Garrison Band. It was decided to ask the Mayoress and ladies to undertake charge of tli'e floral decorations, And Mrs Reece was asked to form a decoration committee. Mr O. Archer was a-sked to take charge of the other decorations at the hall. It was decided to invite his Excellency the Governor, Lady Ranfurly and suite, the Premier, the Ministers and their wives, the officers of the staff and their wives to be present. [From Our Corhesponde-vt.] WELLINGTON, March 23. It is generally understood here that "the Fifth Contingent is proceeding to Rhodesia, to be employed there after the war on police patrol duties. [Pkr Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 23. Lieutenant Currie, of Auckland, left for Christchurch this evening to take charge, of the Canterbury section of the Fifth Contingent. The riding test of the Hawke’s Bay members of the Fifth Contingent was firstclass, but that of several Marlborough and Nelson candidates was far below the standard, and they had to be rejected. Dr Thomas also rejected several applicants as medically unfit. A meeting of citizens was held this afternoon to consider the question of a sendoff to the Fifth Contingent. The Mayor presided. It was resolved to entertain the contingent at luncheon at noon on the day of its departure, and the Executive, Committee was instructed to carry out arrange ments for the send-off. All the town and country bands are to be invited to be present on the occasion, and the Government and Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company are to be asked to carry all volunteers free on the railway. BLENHEIM, March 23. Lieutenant D. Poison, of the Blenheim Rifles, has received an appointment to the Fifth Contingent. He is the fifth officer to leave Blenheim for South -Arica, the others being Lieutenants Chaytor and Canavan, First Contingent; Captain Chaytor, Third Contingent; and Lieutenant Simeon, Fifth Contingent. Altogether, over fifty men have left this district (excluding Kaikoura) for the front. . Mr E. Poulds, of Lyttelton, has received a letter from his nephew, Trooper A. Foulds, of the Third Coritingerrt, written on board the Knight Templar on Feb. 28. The trooper writes;—“l am tip-top at present. We’ve had a splendid voyage so far, and I hope it will continue till the end of the journey, for the horses’ sake. One horse went mad last Thursday; they had to poison it and throw it overboard. Two or three more will die before we reach our destination ; they are very sick just now. My horse and myself are doing well. We are both getting fat, so we have no room to g'rowi as yet. There have been a, lot of the men sick, and some of them will be till they gft to the Cape.”