NEW ZEALAND AND THE WAR

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 3956, 23 January 1900, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AND THE WAR

THE SECOND CONTINGENT. TELEGRAMS TO THE PREMIER. The Premier has received a number of telegrams from different parts of the coloHiy expressing the senders’ approval of th'o despatch of the second contmgent. Mr J- G. Glow, Lawrence, says: “Wishing success to our boys. May they gang .forward with the motto of Johnny Armstrong, ‘Ready, aye, ready.* Captain Hodge, Port Chalmers, telegraphed:—“We congratulate you on the large-hearted way you have despatched the second contingent. It will enhance our credit the worjd over. Air F. T. Poole, Mayor of Kaitangata, wired;—“l assure you the Kaitangata people are proud of the Premier, and back his sentiment to the letter, re mounted troops. God-speed our second contingent, and if more men are wanted, the Liberals of Kuitangata will assist as loyal British subjects.”

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SOMMERVILLE.

Some misconception has arisen as to the position which Lieutenant-Colonel Sommerville will occupy in regard to the third contingent. That he will have charge of th© camp seems probable, but that he will go to South Africa in charge of the bushmen’s contingent is not. What Lieutenant-Colonel Sommerville has stated is not that he _ has been offered or accepted the position of commander of the contingent, but that if he were offered the command and could make satisfactory private arrangements he would be disposed to go to the front in that capacity. As it is, having already sent two of his sons away, and having his farms to look after, it is unlikely that LieutenantColonel Sommerville would be able to get, away, even if it were desired that he should do so. THE THIRD CONTINGENT. FBEBB ASSOCIATION. WANGANUI, Monday. The Mayor of Wanganui reports that an amount of £I7OO for the equipment and transport of the Wanganui troop of the third contingent (twenty-five men) is now assured, flJid tltß fund will probably exceed £2OOO. Spare houses will be sent’ with th© men, who will all be expert horsemen and fair shots. TROOPS OR MONEY? SUGGESTED DIVISION OF FUNDS. CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. Mr G. G. Stead writes to the Christchurch. papers as follows:—It is generally conceded that more mounted men are urgently needed to assist the infantry in South Africa. The Government in New Zealand, although willing, is unable to send more men at present, as the cost of the second contingent has exhausted all the funds that were available. The various centres in Now Zealand, however, have collected large sums towards patriotic funds, horse funds,, etc. What more patriotic use can these funds be put to than by each, centre equipping units of troop to form a third contingent? England does not require money, but she sadly requires mounted troops. What is the use of our remitting money to England which is not required, when it could be well spent here in assisting to* provide men and horses, which are required? Cabling money to England is wasted ’ effort. Sending mounted men is rendering invaluable assistance.”

Replying to a telegram as to the requirements of the Hastings men who have volunteered to join the corps being raised in Canterbury, the Mayor of Christchurch states that each man will need to be fitted out at an expense of £9O, including horse, etc. This amount (the Napier “Herald” asserts) has surprised the volunteers, whose estimate was considerably under that figure, and it is improbable that they will join the corps. __