ANOTHER CONTINGENT FROM AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11844, 23 December 1901, Page 5

ANOTHER CONTINGENT FROM AUSTRALIA.

A REQUEST FROM MR. CHAM-'

3ERLAIN.

MR. BARTON GLAD TO PROVIDE

THE MEN.

(Received December 22, 5.10 p.m.)

Sydney, December 22.

Mr. Barton has received a cable from Mr. Chamberlain, stating that in view of the prolongation of hostilities in South Africa the Imperial Government would be glad to accept the sendees of a Commonwealth contingent to the number of 1000, preference being given to men who have previously served in South Africa, the Commonwealth supply horses, saddlery, and uniforms, the Imperial Government repaying the cost. Transport will be arranged by the War Office. The period of service is to be one year or the duration of the war. Mr. Barton replied that the Commonwealth will gladly provide the contingent, and states that the Federal Government were prepared to meet a demand for a larger number if asked for. • Melbourne, December 21. The Age commenting, in. reference to Lord Rosebery speech, on the statement that a new sentiment of Empire had arisen, says Mr. Barton may not perceive any personal application of this, but his friends think this new sentiment of Empire ought certainly to have animated the Federal Premier as actively as it did the Prime Ministers of Canada and New Zealand. What we know is that while Lord Kitchener has cabled to Mr. Seddon his grateful thanks for the offer of a, contingent, we have Mr. Barton holding back, and in a timid sort of way saying more Australian troops will be got ready if England asks for them. There was nothing of the new sentiment of Empire in such an attitude. Mr. Barton entirely misrepresents the public sentiment of Australia. . Adelaide, December 21. In the Council the Attorney-General stated that if the other States decided to send another contingent to the Transvaal independently of the Commonwealth Parliament, at the request and expense of the Imperial authorities, the Government of South Australia would fall into line.

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT. PROPOSED NEW ZEALAND BRIGADE. [by TELEGRAPH.— association-.] tt Wellington-, Saturday. " Major Andrew, commanding the ■ Sixth Contingent, cables to the Premier that the contingent is all well.

He suggests that there should be a New Zealand brigade, the men of which should not weigh more than ten stone, officers and staff .officers to be New Zealanders, '. and the brigade to be commanded by ; a New Zealander. ..' : The Imperial Government should provide two pom-poms, transport, engineer, and signalling .service, and field hospital. There is then a possibility ■ of New i Zealand maintaining its identity in the field