THE TRANSVAAL CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11200, 21 October 1899, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE TRANSVAAL CONTINGENT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—' charge made by * Jakin" against the volunteer officers of this district in this morning's Herald requires an answer. Of my own knowledge I know of five officers who did volunteer for service. This is a fair proportion of those eligible, since a large majority of the officers are married and therefore ineligible. It seems strange that no officer was selected from the Auckland district, for the authorities evidently do not consider it essential that the officer should ha™ served in mounted rifles, since Major Madocks, an artillery officer, and the adjutant of the East Coast Infantry, Battalion were among those selected. I think that tins disposes of the unwarranted charge made by your correspondent, but there is really somo excuse for his ignorance owing to the mysterious silence maintained by the authorities as to the number of officers who did volunteer. It seems to bo a case of Auckland once more left out in the cold. I am, etc., Subscriber. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— your issue of to-day appears a letter signed by one "Jakin," reflecting on the spirit of commissioned officers in the Now Zealand forces. As far as Auckland goes, 1 think lie Ims shown great ignorance in matter] volunteering. Had he taken the trouble to communicate with the brigade office, I am sure the letter signed "Jakin" would never , have been written. I may just mention all i officers, five in number, four infantry, one mounted, who can comply with the condi- , tions enforced by the Imperial authorities, have signed on.—l am, etc., One Who Knows. Newton, Auckland, Octobor 18, 1899.