ANOTHER AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIV, Issue 294, 15 December 1899, Page 3

ANOTHER AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT.

♦; SUGGESTION OF NEW SOUTH WALES. WARMLY RECEIVED. CHEERS FOR THE EMPIRE. NEW ZEALAND APPROACHED. V TO BE CONSIDERED ON TUESDAY NEXT. Sydney, December 15. The estimates passed after a protracted discussion. . Prior to submitting the military vote, the Premier, who, with other members of the Cabinet, upon receipt of the news of Lord Methuen's reverse, had a conference with Major* General French, stated m view of the sensational news he had cabled the British Government asking if they desired the colonies to send any more troops to South Africa. He had sent telegrams to some of the other colonies to ascertain if, m the event of the news proving true, they would join m the despatch of another contingent. If the reply was more troop 3 were wanted, he would bring the matter before the House, should it be sitting ; otherwise he would take action to send troops away before Tuesday, and ask the House to indemnify afterwards. The announcement was warmly received, afte^an assurance was given that- the colony was well provided with arms and ammunition. The vote passed m globo, with cheers for the Empire. Brisbane, December 15. In the Assembly, on the motion for adjournment, the Premier stated he heard with regret of the serious British reverse. He certainly thought Queensland ought to be prepared with fhe other colonies to make a federal movement to send a further contingent to South Africa. He intended conferring with other Premiers. Mr Dawson hoped that before anything was done the House would be consulted. Wellington, December 15. With reference to the suggestion of the New South Wales Government that another Australasian contingent be sent to South Africa, it is understood that a fall meeting of the New Zealan^ Cabinet will be held on Tuesday, when the matter will be considered. The Commandant of Forces says there would be no difficulty m obtaining men m New Zealand if re* quired.

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