THE EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11841, 19 December 1901, Page 5

THE EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

THE AUCKLAND QUOTA.

260 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.

Applications for enlistment in the Eighth Contingent still continue to be made at the various recruiting. centres in the Auckland province, and there seems to be no lack of men. Although the Auckland quota will be 140 men, that number of applications has already been exceeded, the names received by the Auckland Brigade Office totalling 260, yesterday. It is evident that the number has already been more than made up, but possibly many may fail to pass the riding, shooting, and medical examinations. Although there is a certain proportion of applicants with little or no knowledge of soldiering, a great many are volunteers or exvolunteers, and as it is expected that the list of applicants will still further be swelled there can be no doubt that there "will be an excellent field for selection.

No further instructions have as yet been received from the defence authorities at Wellington in the matter.

INUNDATED WITH APPLICATIONS. [by telegraph. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Wednesday. The Minister for Defence has been inundated with telegrams and letters sent from all parts of the colony by returned officers and men anxious to get places in the new contingent. Mr. Seddon anticipates that the number offering will far exceed the 1000 required. There is also a large bundle of letters from applicants awaiting the attention of the Wellington Recruiting Board. A large proportion of the returned members of previous contingents are applying for commissions, and the Minister will have no light task in allotting the posts in the Eighth Contingent.

PROPOSED BEARER CORPS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] Wellington, Wednesday. It is desired here that a New Zealand Bearer Corps should accompany the Eighth Contingent. About fifteen of the Wellington Bearer Corps volunteer to go, and it is thought the other ten could easily be got in other centres. CAMP ARRANGEMENTS. [BY telegraph.—press ASSOCIATION'.] Wellington, Wednesiiy. The North Island battalion of the Eighth Contingent go into camp for training at Trentham, near the Hutt, and the South Island battalion at Addington.

THE OTAGO SECTION. [BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Inverp'U-gill, Wednesday. Ninety-five men of a good stamp have already offered for service in the Eighth Contingent here. The Gore returns are not to hand. - , BLENHEIM VOLUNTEERS. '*"•" Blenheim, Wednesday, Blenheim can easily raise its quota of the Eighth Contingent. Captain Poison, D.5.0., is among those who have voluutered.