THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

North Otago Times, 4 February 1913, Page 3

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.

Per Press Asioclatlon. Wellington, February 3. The cable message from London regarding the Hon. Jas. , Allen's reference to an expeditionary force ol 8000 men irora New Zealand, was referred today to the Prime Minister, who was asked whether the Minister of Defence, in itaMiij this statement, had the sauction and concurrence of the CaiCnst and the Government. The Prime Minister explain.t! that what Mr Allen hßd stated was merely a hope that in time oi dinger New Zealand would lumieb a contingent or contingents, as was toe on the occasion of the South African war, when about this number, of volunteer troops was despatched from New Zsaland to the assistance of the Mother Country, The Deience Act did not contemplate tlu sending of an expeditionary force from the Dominion to places outside, ami such a measure Would obviously have to he sanctioned by Parliament. liis rer.dlnj o' the ca'ole was that Mr Allen had simply tnid he hoped tho Dominion would on _ a /uturo occasifcn, if need l>!e, tarnish to t"i"Motlier Country aid, similar in the Baer- war.