NEW ZEALAND AND THE SOUDAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7268, 5 March 1885, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AND THE SOUDAN.

A PROPOSAL FROM DUNEDIN. Through the courtesy of Mr. A. D. Bennett, we were yesterday permitted to peruse the following correspondence at his office, from which it appears that steps are being proposed quite in the right ■ direction, should New Zealand get a chance to participate with the other colonies if occasion should arise :—

Dear Sir, —Wβ 'beg to invite your co-opera-tion and advice with a view to the formation of a general New Zealand contingent for the Soudan. As it now seems inevitable that a general Australasian force will be formed, it it becoming in New Zealand to be represented by an already organised and drilled force, and with that purpose in view, we invite you and your oomradei to join us in urging tho Government to promote the formation of such a contingent at once.—lam, &o. t W. Lowcat, hon. Seo. Dunedin contingent, headquarters Danedin contingent for the Soudan, Dunedin, 25th February, 1885. To Captain A. D. Bennett, Auckland.

Palmenton Buildings, Auckland, 4th March, 1885. M. Lowcay, Esq., Hon. Secretary Danedin Contingent for tioudan, Dunedin. Dear Sir,—l beg to acknowledge your favour of the 25th February last with regard to the proposed formation of a general New Zealand contingent for service abroad, and in reply assure you that the contents thereof have quite anticipated our ideas here on the subject of co-operation (thereby probably preventing ■ any provincial district jealousy arising on a question of quite a colonial nature). Covering your observations, I would suggest that the men on our lists for enrollment be called together for the'purpose of attending regular drill, thus being prepared for any emergency, which would necessitate the inauguration of a provisional fund to defray incidental outlay of a moderate nature. I might inform you that our offer to the Government to raiie 300 men has been supported here by applicants that would enable Auckland City to enroll 350 inen of unsurpassed physique and experience, composed of 100 sailors 150 ex-Armed Constabulary and 100 exvolunteers and old service men that seven days' drill would make competent with any arm. I understand that the men would like the privilege, of electing their respective captains and lieutenants of companies from men who have held commissions and. enjoyed experiences in field service. I am informed that should the proposed New Zealand contingent attain a practical form that some moneyed gentlemen in the colony are willing to support the question by cabling home the services of at least 500 or 1000 men for, say, two years' service, and ask the Imperial Government to equip them at a New Zealand Free Volunteer Contingent. Of course such a step would only be admissible in the event of clrumstances arising with the Imperial Government to make the services of colonial volunteers acceptable, and thereby prevent the delay that would arise to enable Cabinet to consult Parliament as in the present case, ■which in consequence of being late in the field the colony may have lost the chance of participating in a big intercolonial honour. For your information I may state that there appears no marked antipathy apparent among the existing volunteer force here, and the citizens say they -will support any movement that may attain a practical state with honor to the colony.—Yours, kc, Abthor D. Bennett.