EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7189, 6 January 1902, Page 3

EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

liIEUT.-COL. DAVIES DECLINES

THE COMMAND.

The Lyttelton Times correspondent says that Colonel Davies will not accept the command of the Eighth Contingent, becau.se the appointment of officers -whs not left jn his hands. The writer says that Major Oweij. is mentioned as his successor, with Major Smith as the only possible alternative.

Commenting on the matter editorially, the Times expresses regret, and thinks the difficulty could have been avoided by the exorcise of a little tact.. Jt views the appointment of Majoy Qwcij. favourably, and thinks that failing his being chosen that there arc others who are tried men. The suggestion of JTr.joi' Smith the paper condemns strongly, an<i says fhat he has none of the qualification)! required except a certain military enthusiasm. The Times adds that too little care hjis bew» exercised in the past, and hopes that the Minister will make the needs of the i Contingent tho "first and only conI sideration.

Wellington January /3. Though, in t!j.G absence of the Premier, there is no ofti.sial .confirmation .of tho report that liicutonant.-jSolonel JDavis declines to take command of flic Eighth Contingent owing to a difference with tho Government as to the conditions attached to the ollor, it is generally true.

, iriStrjjctiqas ,have been given for the enlistment oi -JIQ additional recruits to fill up the blanks dn the ;S.irth and Seventh Cofij:'ugonts. "Vyang^nuj, jN'cw Plymouth, jfajjjej;. Palmerstoii' JjTorth and Masterton have beeij. asked to supply 10 men each, the remainder be made up from other districts'.