TROOPS REQUIRED IN SOUTH AFRICA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11917, 15 December 1900, Page 7

TROOPS REQUIRED IN SOUTH AFRICA

;Pkr United Pkkss Association.)

CHUISTCHUKCH, December 14.

The Premier has received the following cable from London:—" Secretary for War states that it is neecssarv that more than 200,000 troops be kept in South Africa. The expenditure could not oe greatly reduced for some months. It is admitted that her MtjeMv's Government miscalculated the duration of the war."

The Premier has received a ei'ble stating that Colonel Newull leaves South Africa in the first week in January.

THE HARLKCH CASTLE. (Per U.vited Phkss Association.)

CHRTSTCHURCH, December 14

The Premier has received ihe following coble from the Commandant of (he Forces in New South Wales:— ■" Hear from naval authorities H>ir!eoh Castle not likely to leave Syduev fur a. fortnight."

In an interview, the Premier stated with regard to the Harleeh Castle troopers that from latest in format ion the vessel is not likely to leave for a fortnight. It Mas first'intended that the Him-Rli (Castle with the troopers should visit Dunedin, Lyttelton, Auckland, and Wellington, in the order named. Then permission was given for the men to travel overland from Melbourne to Sydney, and for those who wished to remain for the celebrations, but Lieutenant Hughes was instructed that those who did not remain must come by the Harlech Cuslle. . Twenty men. however, were allowed to leave by the Moana, and in face of this disregard of instructions! the leave to remain for the celebrations was withdrawn, and the. men were ordered all in come, on by the Harleeli Castle. As the JDimedin Troopers' Reception Committee, however, bad withdrawn its request that the men should not be allowed to remain in Sydney, and had decided to proceed no

further with the preparations for a demonstration, the matter would now be reconsidered.

WELCOME AT LYTTELTON.

CBRISTCHURCH, December 14.

The troopers from South Africa on board the Moansi wore received at Lyttelton this morning by the retiring mayor and Lieu-tenant-colonel Gordon, and were entertained at breakfast. The Otngo troopers go on by the Moana this afternoon. Some of those who were interviewed state that the Harleeh- Castle wus full of vermin, she having been used to imprison the Boers at Simonstown, and the hammocks, which belonged to the ship had evidently been used by the' Boers and never fumigated. The Post and Telegraph War Fund Committee have decided to remit £100 to Mr Pilcher at Capetown for distribution among the invalided soldiers from New Zealand who may be in need of monetary assistance. Mr John Dunne, of Balelutha, has received word that Trooper W. F. Dunne (second contingent) is amongst the passengers by the Orient.

Mies Hiekp, of Mosgiel, has received as a memento from a trooper in South Africa two cheques duly executed. The one is for £360 on the Rationale Bank der Zuid Afrikaansehe Repuhliek Beperkt, Zeerust. The second is for £3 18s 8d on the Standard Bank. It is not likely that they would now be honoured if presented.

The Premier sent the following cablegram to Lieutenant-colonel Crndnck:—"Now Zealanders and Britishers throughout the world are proud of the gallant band so ably led by you at the buttle of Khenoster on the 29th. Their bravery, determination, and resource under the trying ordenl has won our admiration and the nation's gratitude. Wo deeply mourn the fallen, who will ever live in memory, and we sympathise with those bereaved. Their loss has been the Umpire's gain. The wounded we fee! deeply for, and. pray they may soon recover. Accept yourself and convey to officers and men New Zealand's congratulations, heartfelt thanks and good wishes. Words fail to express our feelings. You have acquitted yourselves nobly and upheld the best traditions of our race."