THE THIRD CONTINGENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 27

THE THIRD CONTINGENT.

(From Otru Own ConaESPONDENT.)

WELLINGTON, January 23.

Among the offers received by the Mayor of Wanganui was the following, from Robert Kilpatrick Simpson, jun., Hunterville :— " I offer myself, my own horse, and £20 in cash to equip myself."

A well-to-do landowner of good English family, who has made his home on the West Coast, intends to make an effort to join the Maoriland Rough Riders' Contingent. January 24. It has now been definitely decided by the Government that the third contingent shall leave from Christchurch instead of bringing the men to Wellington. The northerners are to be sent to Christchurch as soon as they are ready, and the whole contingent will take its departure from Lyttelton. The examination of volunteers will take place in the districts in which they reside. Instructions have been given to that effect. The Premier has cabled the Imperial authorities that they may expect 200 men.

There is some uncertainty as to whether the steamer Undaunted, which has been chartered to convey produce from this colony direct to South Africa, and by which it is proposed that the contingent shall be shipped, failing better arrangements, can accommodate the necessary horses. Mr Seddon ho* also rablcfl to Australia to ascertain oil AllA 11 li r i< tin nib the Imppii.il GovcTiunjut ait Lull!).; .i noop^biji lor the Aiislutliitu ij'K-hjii ii. T. b p»^ibh' Jiat in the ''U'Ut oi ..ddiiioiuil t'v ' i-i laudation being lequircd, the (J.-veiunn ).' will endeavour to get ihe Ai:-tr;.ji t .r. iioopship to visit New Zealand, und take, if not

men, at least the horses, which in some quarters piivate persons are anxious to present to the Imperial authorities.

According to the present intentions, the contingent will not leave Lyttelton earlier than the third week in Februaiy. It is suggested that the third contingent should be called the New Zealand Rangers.

AUCKLAND, January 26,

A large number of Auckland volunteers are anxious to join the third contingent (New Zealand Rough Riders), and a number of names have been left with the captains commanding companies. The intending volunteers are, however, much in the dark as to the conditions necessary to be fulfilled by those joining. Captain Hoigate, officer commanding the Auckland Mounted Rides, has about 20 men who are anxious to join the contingent. Of these he considers 15 are of the required standard, being good shots and otherwise well qualified.

January 27. Harry Head, a well-known marksman, has wired to Colonel Sommerville volunteering for the third contingent. He will provide his own horse and equipment. WELLINGTON, January 23. Lieutenant-colonel Sommerville, though requested by the Government to take command of the third contingent to be sent to South Africa, is not able to definitely state whether his private affairs will admit of his doing so. That Colonel Sommerville would be the right man if the New Zealanders get in a tight corner, goes without saying, and mention of the gallant colonel's likelihood of commanding the next force has led- to several of the best shots in the colony, who also^ can ride, volunteering. Among these is James Ross, .who on three occasions won the* Champion Carbine Belt. Colonel Sommerville is only too anxious to go if he can satisfactorily arrange for the disposal of his farms in the Wanganui district. Colonel Sommerville is of opinion that the departure of the next contingent should be from Lyttelton, Canterbury having taken the initiative in the "-more men" proposal. What he would like is that the steamer first call at Wanganui for its contingent, then visit Wellington, and go on to Lyttelton. He sees a difficulty in securing officers for the contingent. Thirteen are wanted, and. asked if he had charge, would he take Captain Reid, whom Major Cradock deprived of the command, said, "Certainly. Only too glad."

Captain Reid has been appointed cavalry instructor for the North Island.

It has just been discovered that Lieutenant Sommerville, son of the colonel, who went witli the contingent, is senior to all the lieutenants with the force, and had it net been for an informality in connection with his election to a lieutenancy, he would have been senior to Captain Hayhurst.

Rumours were current to-day that Colonel Penton had resigned his position as commandant, but there is no truth in it.

Captain Reid must occupy an unenviable position, seeing that Colonel Penton endorsed Major Cradock's opinion that Captain Reid could not command a company, yet Reid is appointed instructor of cavalry. The mayor, in response to the request of a deputation, has agreed to call a meeting re furnishing a quota of the third contingent. It is proposed to send 25 men at an estimated cost of £100 each. The mayors and members for the provincial district are to be psked to co-operate. Several suitable men have already offered to provide their own equipment.

January 24-.

The Governor has received the following cable from Mr Chamberlain, Secretary for War : — " Gladly accept third contingent. Her Majesty's Government desire me to express their grateful appreciation of the generosity and patriotism of the subscribers and volunteers."

January 25. The Commandant of the Forces wishes it to be known that applicants for the Rough Riders' Contingent must send in their names to those persons in their several districts who are at the head of the movement, and not to the Defence department either here or elsewhere.

If the preparations of the troopship Undaunted permit, the 23rd February will be the day of departure from Lyttelton of the third contingent. Mr William Baine has offered to accompany the third contingent, taking a well equipped military pigeon kit, and a sufficient number of birdb for carrying despatches.

January 26.

Over 200 applications have already been received from men anxious to join the Wellington portion of the third contingent, to be known as the New Zealand Rough -Riders, most of them from outside the city. Ib is intended that applicants shall assemble at the drillshed at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, and submit themselves to the medical test. Thirteen offer to provide their own horses.

Nothing has been heard as to whether the Undaunted will have accommodation for the horses of the third contingent. It has, however, been ascertained that the Knight Templar, which has been chartered for the Cape by Messrs Turnbull and Co., of Christchurch, could cany both the men and horses. The Knight Templar leaves on February 12, and the Premier sees no obstacle in the way of the third contingent going on that date, but a final decision will not be come to until information has been received as to the Undaunted's accommodation.

January 27.

The number of applicants as rough riders had increased by 1 o'clock to-day to about 400.

The steamer Undaunted was expected from Japan at Sydney on the 25th, but as no answer has been received from the agents it is supposed she has not yet arrived. In the meantime no answer can be given to applicants for cargo space until it is ascertained whether she is capable of taking the rough riders. As her tonnage is now said to be only 3200, it is feared she will prove unsuitable. As there appears to be some doubt as to whether the Government will provide transport for the rough riders, it should be mentioned tnat the promoters have to pay the cost. All that the Government do is

to provide such facilities as they can in the way of getting a steamer. It is not even settled whether tbe Government pay begins from the time of leaving or from arrival at the Cape.

Mr John Plimmer intends to give another hundred guineas towards the equipment of the rough riders' contingent. WA2-TGANUI, January 24.

The movement for the enrolment of a special contingent of 25 men for inclusion in the third New Zealand contingent has been taken up most enthusiastically. The money will be subscribed to the full, and volunteers far in excess of the required number are forthcoming. Already 156 men have sent in their names. Of these, six have offered to provide their own horses, equipment, and expenses to the Cape, and 37 have offered to provide their own horses. The maj-or and Colonel Watt expect the number of volunteers to reach 200 to-mor-row, and there is a prospect of the contingent being increased to 50 men and hoi&ts. The mayor lias received a message from the Premier to the effect that the Imperial Government have accepted the third New Zealand contingent. The Wanganui men will be tested and selected in the course of the next few days, and will at once go into camp. The fund already leaches £2000, of which £1450 is in hand". Lieutenant-colonel Watt has requisitioned the department for the necessary tents, which the Premier has offered to lend. Lieutenant-colonel Sommerville returned to-day.

January 26. Thirty-one more names handed in to-day for AYanganui's sj)ecial contingent brings the total number who have volunteered up to date to 237, out of which the 50 will be selected. The money is coming in well. More than 50 of those volunteering have offered to provide their own horses. The men go into camp on Tuesday.

NELSON, January 22. The Evening Mail suggests that, as the Imperial Government haA-e offered the use of a troopship to convey the bushmen from Australia, much of the cost of transit of the third NeAv Zealand contingent would be saved if an application Avere made to alloAv our troops to join the troopship at either Melbourne or Sydney.

HOKITIKA, January 27.

The mayor has convened a meeting for Wednesday re more men. Steps Avill probably be taken to send Westlanders o\ r er to the Canterbury camp immediately.

CIIRISTCHURCH, January 23,

Up to date over 300 applications have been received for enrolment in the Canterbury troop. The bulk of these represent really first-class hor&emen, who will be mo&t suitable for the rough-riding contingent. The mayor has sent the folloAring telegram to the Premier in regard to the name of the third NeAv Zealand contingent for South Africa: — "Would urge retention of name ' New Zealand,' as it is very desirable to retain a connecting link Avith former contingents. NeAv Zealand Scouts or Nbav Zealand Rough Riders would meet universal Avishes here."

January 24

Tbe Committee of the Canterbury War Fund have decided not to send less then 64 men as Canterbury's portion of the contingent, and strong efforts are being made to raise the number to 100. Over 400 men haA-e already volunteered.

In reply to a telegram from the mayor, the Premier has wired that the name of the third contingent Avill be "NeAv Zealand Rough Riders."

January 25. Mrs Studholme's garden party in aid of the Canterbury war fund was very successful, over 2000 people being present. It resulted in £300 being raised for the Avar funds.

Tents were erected in the show grounds" to-day for the camp of the third contingent, and the first body of men will go under canvas to-morrow. January 26. It is probable that the s.s. 'Knight Templar, which has been chartered to load produce for the Cape, may take some of the third contingent, as it is considered doubtful whether the Undaunted will be able to accommodate all of them.

The mayor has received a letter from Major C. L. Christie, of the Queensland Cadet Corps and Commissionaires and the Scottish Rifles, donating to the third contingent 100 bottles of embrocation. The offer has been accepted. One hundred and twenty-one volunteers for the Canterbury troop answered to their names at the drillshed this afternoon. Lieutenant-colonel Slater was in charge of the proceedings, and was assisted by Captain Lindsay, of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. The public was rigidly excluded, but the Mayor of Christchurch, Messrs G. G. Stead, 'G. Harris, H. Cotterill, and others were present, representing the Canterbury War Fund Committee. The men having been draAvn up so as to form three sides of a square were briefly addressed by. Lieutenant-colonel Slater, who said that "he wished them to bear in mind that they were undertaking a serious duty. It Avas possible that in a " tight corner " lives might be lost in an attempt to save a comrade who could not ride. If there were any such present he would ask them to fall out at once, as their capabilities, or the want of them, would be apparent in a few da^s. There was no shame in not being a horseman, and he would ask any man who was not a horseman to retire. No one moved. The rctll was then called, and the men were formed into squads of 12, and marched off to the drillshed for inspection by Surgeon-captain Irving and Surgeon Palmer. Volunteers for the Canterbury troops in the third contingent underwent medical inspection to-day, and subsequently the Selection Committee passed 81, who went into camp this evening. The men were warned that the selection was by no means final, as those chosen had not only yet to undergo the necessary riding and shooting tests, but to stand comparison with the pick of those who will volunteer later. Colonel Slater will be in charge of the camp until relieved. Bombardier Coleman will bo staff sergeant-major, and the officers and non-commissioned officers of the Canterbury. Yeomanry Cavalry have offered

their services throughout. It is under* stood that, subject to Colonel Penton's approval, Major Jowsey, of Timaru, will be in charge of the troops, and, among seven or eight applications on the officers' lisfr, are Adjutant Bcm^, of South Canterbury, and Lieutenant Weston, of Chiist's C-.llc^e Rifles. Work will be commenced iv earnest to-morrow morning.

January 27. The list for the Canterbury contingent has been closed. Volunteers are so numerous that selection will be difficult.

January 28. On Saturday the practical training of the Canterbury troop was commenced at the show ground encampment. Foot parades were held at 6.45, 9.30, and 2.30, and a good start has been made. Staff Sergeantmajor Coleman reports the men as intelligent and willing. The following acting appointments have been made with the distinct proviso that they confer no right or claim to confirmation by the officers who will be permanently appointed : — Troopers Rose and Rule, to be acting sergeants ; Troopers Ensor, O'Farrell, Wilson, and Walker, to act as senior troopers until further orders, and perform the duties of corporals. Trooper Rose, appointed acting sergeant, is an ex-captain of the Lyttelton Navals, and one of the smartest drills in the colony. Lieutenant H. D. Buchanan and Trum-pet-major Thompson, both of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, joined the camp on Saturday night, and will aid in instructing the men. Lieutenant Buchanan is orderly officer for to-day (Sunday), Lieutenant R. Heaton Rhode?, of the same corps, being next for duty. Foot parades were held at 6.40 and 9.30 this morning, and the camjj was thrown open to the pub lie between 2.30 and 5 o'clock this afternoon, when large numbers of visitors were present.

Sir Arthur Douglas visited the camp on Saturday. A wire was received in Christchurch on the same date stating that Colonel Penton had confirmed the appointment of Major Jowsey to the command o\ the troop. Several citizens have promised to lend horses for the use of the troop, as at present there are only 11 horses 13 camp, find these arc not sufficient to conduct riding tests with. It is anticipated that great dtfhcuity will be experienced in buying suitable horses. Eight South Canterbury men of a good stamp came up by the express on Saturday night.

The selection from the 120 picked men who have not yet been examined will take place on Tuesday. CANTERBURY WILL SEND A WHOLE COMPANY. CHRISTCHURCH, January 29. In view of the fact that 600 applications have been received from suitable men, and the gravity of the .situation in South Africa, tha committee of the Canterbury war fund dofinitely decided to provide, equip, and transport to South Africa, three divisions of 32 men each, in all 96 men, with the necessary officers. Thus, the Canterbury troop will constitute a complete company in itself. There is expected to be no difficulty in ob taining the additional funds required. One hundred • and two Aucklanders hava volunteered for service as scouts. Eighteen of them will provide their own horses.

WELLINGTON JOINS IN.

WELLINGTON, January 29.

An enthusiastic! public meeting to-night formally stamped with approval the proposal to contribute a quota to the rough riders' contingent, and fixed the minimum number at 25, exclusive of Wanganui, and more if funds are forthcoming.? Mr J. Duncan announced that the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Companj would give £1000 to the fund— £2oo for Wellington, £200 for Napier, £100 for "Wan* ganui. The remainder has yet to be allocated. In addition, over £350 was subscribed in the room, Messrs Levin and Co. giving lOOgs and Mr John Plimmer lOOgs. Committees were appointed to select men, etc. An offer was received from five ladies to go as nurses.

HAWKE'S BAY RESPONDS GENEROUSLY. ) NAPIER, January 29.

It was only on Friday evening that it was decided to raise funds for the representation of Hawke's Bay in the rough riders' contingent, though the mayor had over 80 application?. Messrs Nelson Bros, started the ball with £100. Their office staff gave £50, Messrs Cotterell and Humphreys and the Gas Company £100 each. At an enthusiastic meeting to-night it was determined to equip 25 men here. Tbe employees of Mr John M'Vay, saddler, offered to find everything for Otton, one of their number, The Norlh British Freezing Company also promised to find a man a horse and equipment, and it was stated that a third similar offer had been made. Messrs G. S. V. Wenly and B. D.D. M'Lean gave £100 ench, and the latter four valuable horses in addition, in all £1059 being subscribed.

NOTHING BEING DONE IN OTAGO.

In reply to an inquiry, Colonel Webb informed a member of our staff on the 23rd that he had had no official intimation from the authorities in regard to the despatch of a third contingent. t He has, however, been inundated with applications, written and verbal, to join, and he is taking the names oi all those who wish to volunteer for active service with the Maoriland Rough Riders. Of course nothing further can be done until some official instructions are received.

PUBLIC MEETING IN DUNEDIN.

DECISION IN FAVOUR OF REMOUNTS.

The public meeting convened by his Worship the Mayor to consider a series of qtxestions connected with the patriotic movement commenced shortly after 8 o'clock on Monday evening, and about 150 ladies and gentlemen were present. His Worship first stated the object of the meeting, and then raid he was sure he was loleased to see present, not Major Rabin — because he could not be, here and at -the same time doing excellent work in Africa, — but Major Robin's sister. — (Applause.) Miss Robin was invited to take a seat near the mayor, and did so. His Worship continuing, said the work of the Patriotic Fund Committee was nearly finished, and it was necessary that they should consider other questions and decide what was best to be done. The questions to be dealt willi were: — (1) The advisability of Otago joining in the movement fott sending a third contingent to South Africa. (2) Tha best means of augmenting the fund! 'foy providing remounts for the New Zealan./

contingents. (3) The best means of augmenting the "more horses" fund for Impeiial and other purposes. -They had already done a great deal, but patriotism could not be checked; they might as well try to stay the tide as to check the flow of patriotism in New Zealand. In dealing with the questions before them, he asked that everyone's opinion {should be respected. So far as a. third contingent was concerned, he agreed with those tono considered that if a third contingent was necessary it was the duty of the Government to send it in the same way that the first and the second contingents had been sent. — (Applause.) It was only right and equitable that all should be called upon to contribute the cost of sending the men, and those who had been already exceedingly generous should not have their generosity over-taxed while those who had given nothing should be allowed to escape the L aymeut of all share in the cost of sending the men

Mr W. A. W. Wathen moved— " That the rjuestion of sending a third contingent be left to the decision of the Government."

Mr A. J. Park suggested that the motion should read:— ''That this meeting considers it the duty of the Government to pond a third contingent to South Africa at the expense of the colony."

Mr Waihen agreed to withdraw his motion 'in favour of Mr Park's, and seconded the latter motion.

Mr J. "White said that this motion committed the meeting absolutely to the statement that it was the duty of the Government to send the third contingent. He thought that ought to be left to the Government to ■decide, and he preferred the fiist motion. He was willing to move — " That the question of sending a third contingent from this colony to South Africa be left to the decision of the Government, and that if sent it be at the expense of the colony."' After some little discussion, Dr Alexander said he thought it would be burking the whole thing to accept either motion. The Government had almost stated that they would not find the funds, and he thought that we would do very well to follow the example of Canterbury, Wanganui. and Wellington.— (Applause.) He suggested setting up a committee similar to that set for the patriotic fund to raise money to send a creditable number from this province. Mr Park asked Dr Alexander how much Canterbury had given to the patriotic fund. Dr Alexander replied that he did not krow.

_\lr Park: £1200. Mr G. L. Demriston seconded Mr White s motion, and said that it was for the meeting to say whether they would decide in favour of sending remounts or more men. Mr M. Cohen doubted the wisdom of either Df the motions proposed, for the simple reaBqn that the sending of the contingent was already decided on, and the Government had intimated very plainly they would not bear the cost of it, and that they would limit their operations to the despatch of the first and second contingents. The " more men " fund ,was established in Canterbury, and to that province belonged the credit of initiating the movement. It was also for the meeting to •say whether or not they considered that a -moiety of the patriotic fund should be re--taiued within .the colony. The third contingent would go whatever resolution the meeting carried. — (Applause.) Mr J. F. M. Fraser asked if it was necessary to carry a resolution on the position at all. — (A "Voice: "Yes.") Mr Fraser, continuing, said that it might seem somewhat ungracious to be under the suspicion of throwing cold water on the movement to despatch a third contingent, but he emphasised the necessity for keeping their men supplied with remounts. It was, he said, no use sending men if we did not send horses, and noises were more frequently shot than men. JEe suggested that the meeting should deal with this question first. — (Applause.) The Chairman then put the motion to the meeting, and it was decided, on the voices, io discuss the question of augmenting the fund for purchasing remounts for the contingents.

Mr G. Fenwiek suggested that the first matter would be best disposed of by passing a resolution to the effect : " That, the meeting having had the question of sending the third contingent placad before it, resolves — ' That the province of Otago, having responded with extreme liberality to the appeal that has been made to it for a patriotic fund, and being also of opinion that the subject of paramount importance now is the sending of remounts for, the contingent, regret their inability to join in the movement for sending a third contingent.' "

The Chairman again put it to the meeting whether or not the second proposal should be dealt with first, and received an affirmative response. Mr Fenwick's suggestion accordingly dropped for the time bsing.

Dr ColquLoun made a suggestion that the wisest course would be to communicate with Sir Alfred Milner or Mr Chamberlain, to make sure whether it was hordes or men that wero most urgently required, and, whatever the reply was, let all work for that unitedly.

Mr Cohen mo^ cd — " That it is der-irablo that the efforts of the people of Otago should bo directed at this juncture to providing remounts for the service of the members of New Zealand's contingents in the field." Mr Cohen emphasised the need for sending ivore horses, and pointed out that every commander had been asking for theni. — (Applause.)

Mr Park wanted to know the number of horses that would be required and their probablo cost. It was, he said, rather difficult to find this out. He seconded the motion.

Mr Hazletl estimated the cost of sending suitable horses to Major Robin for the use of the whole contingent at about £50 each.

Dr Colquhoun moved — " That it is desirable that the question be put to the Home authorities : ' Which do you want, men or hort.es?' and that the community agree to act in conformity with the answer" , IVTr D. Nicol seconded the motion.

Mr Mackerras spoke strongly as to the nped for providing remounts for the New Zealand contingent iv South Africa, the -crying want of the contingent being at this lime suitable hor»es. "Were they, he asked, to allow our gallanl fellows to perish because they had only cripples to ride upon? They knew that Serjeant Gourley had lost his horse, and had to ride a cripple, and it was possible that if he had had a suitable horse his valuable life would* have been spared. He desired to move — "That a meeting of subscribers to the patriotic fund be convened to consider the amount of money that should be applied out of that fund for this purpose."' — (Voices: " No, no.")

The Mayor ruled that such a motion was out of order.

Dr Gordon Macclonald said that Great Britain requiied both men and horses. A sm.iH community, however, could not do every thing, but we should do what we, could. " Our boys"' wero in Africa, and our first duty ■was to help them, and alter that if v>e could help Great Britain, so much fep- better, and .'fjhe. enemy would yield, help the enemy too.

But he would say help our own sons first by sending them a good number of horse-:.

Mr J. F. M. Fraser said the New Zealand contingent was largely engaged in scouting, and, he took it, were more under fire than the average cavalry man, and were almost certain to lose a large number of horses. Surely the essential thing was that they should be well mounted. Having sent our men there, it was our duty to keep them mounted. On that point he joined issue wit.'i Dr Colquhoun. He did not wont Milner -lor Chamberlain to tell- him that when a man's horse was shnt the man wanted another. It was certain they could not get suitable horses in Africa, as the men were riding ponies, and our duty was clearly to send good remounts to them. He had received from his friend Mr Shields, who was unable to be present, a memo, suggesting a scheme for obtaining horses. The proposal was to divide Otago into some forty districts, and to get each district to give one hoi\sc or more, the funds to be raided by entertainments and otherwise; while Dimedin r-nd suburbs should provide the cost of transport. The suj-sjestion seemed to Mr Fraser business-like and valuable, and he would hand the memorandum to the committee. He suggested that the horses should be named after the various' districts. It would cause pleasing reminiscences to lads at the front if, say, a North Otago boy got a remount named Maheno. It would show that we were not forgetting Lhem. We should now send forty or fifty horses, and if more were wanted, send them too.

Mr T. Mackenzie said there would, he was sure, be no great difficulty in raising mou^y for the purchase of horses, and it appeared to him that this was really the question which should command their immediate attention. He was strongly in favour of funds being devoted to this end.

Mr James Mills thought that Mr Cohen's motion expressed the sense of the meeting and of the community. It was largely a question of ways and means. He would not like it to go abroad that the community hung back from supporting the third contingent or contributing towards its cost if, as seemed to be the case, the people of the_ colony were expected to provide it by subscriptions. But for his own part he had come to the conclusion that we could not help the third contingent with money, however unwilling we might be to admit it. However, we should help willingly in the matter of remounts, and if that was done we should not be open to the charge of want of patriotism or enthusiasm. If we sent 30 or 50 horses, that would be giving valuable aid to Major Robin and Major Cradock, and it seemed to him that 100 horses .should be sent from Wellington. He supported Mr Cohen's resolution

His Worship would like to say that Mr A. H. Burton, with his usual generosity, had offered to give an evening's entertainment on behalf of the fund for providing remounts. — (Applause.) He understood Mr Burton proposed to call it "A Night with Kipling and other Patriot*." His Worship expressed regret that; Miss Robin would not speak at the meeting, but he could say that she had admitted to him that the impression had been created in her mind from reading her brother's letters that the most pressing need in South Africa at the present time was remounts. Thaiy coming from such a quarter, was a substantial reason in favour of the motion. — (Applause.) Dr Colquhoun expressed himself as entirely in favour of Mr Cohen's motion, and said that his amendment had been made simply to save a division.

Mr Cohen paid that in justice to Dr Colquhoun it was right to state that the doctor was the first man in Otago to suggest that more horses should be sent.

Mr Moloney moved — "That the qiiestion of ways and means in connection with remounts for the contingent be left to the General Committee of the partiotic fund, with power to add to their number."

Mr Hazlett seconded the motion, which Mas duly carried. The latter clause was added to meet the suggestions of Mr Fraser and Mr C. R. Smith that, in justice to the members of the committee, it was desirable to have some fre=h blood on it.

Mr T. Mackenzie moved — "That in the opinion of this meeting all moneys raised after this date not specially contributed to the patriotic fund be devoted to the remount fund." Speaking to the motion, he said that he thought that those engaged at present in providing, entertainments, etc., for tho patriotic fund should be requested to consider the propriety of devoting the money thus raised to Ihe remount fund. Speaking on behalf of Clutha, he was quite sure that the proceeds of the entertainment that was being promoted there could be directed into this channel. Clutha had contributed nine men to the third contingent. He (Mr Mackenzie) knew the value of remounts under the present circumstances. lie had formerly been a trooper in the Otago Hussars while Major "Robin was an officer of that company, and the late Sergeant Gourley was a trooper also.

Air James Mills said that it was estimated that the contributions from Otago to the patriotic fund would amount to £11,000, and if it were sent Home in one sum it would have a very good effect. He thought it only right and proper that any further contributions should go to the more hordes fund.

Mr D. Nicol suggested that those present should make contributions to tho fund before they left the room. He would give £!3 3s himself. — (Applause. )

Mr W. L. Simpson said that the war was a national question. The Government of New Zealand sent forth men, and it was their duty to' keep them in a slate of efficiency. It seamed to him a pity that people should be asked to subscribe to discharge what was the duty of the State. If the Government had intimated that its funds were exhausted, it would have been a different matter, but so far no such suggestion had been made, and surely it was the duty of the Government that had taken the responsibility of sending forth two contingents to see that they did-not lack for anything. — (Applause.)

The Chairman said that the Government had baen approached by himself as to how far they would assui>t in Rending remounts, and they had emphatically declined to send remounts, saying that the people must provide them. Not only had the people to provide horbes, but the Government would not even provide fodder for them. — (Cries : " Shame ! ")

Mr Simpson said that he was heartily sorry to hear that the Government did not know their duty.

TLe Bon. W. M. Bolt expressed the opinion that it would be a misfortune to allow the question of remounts to lie over until the Government came forward to deal with it. The question, ho considered, was a national one, and he thought the deci&icn of the Government au anomalous one. They said the third contingent was necessary in the interests of the Empire, and yet they would not grant funds foi its necessary equipment.

Mr Denniston said that tl ey had already had a- nucleus o[ a fund in £100 received from Mr Sidey and tho amounts raised bj; the

papers. He moved — "That in the opinion of this meetiag, it is undesirable that the sending of p third contingent should be a matter of private subscription."

.Mr Javne= thought; there was no need to pass a resolution on the subject. To do so might, he thought, to indicate jealousy on tho part of Gtago, and it seemed to him it would bo better to leave the matter alone altogether. They had, he considered, followed a wise course in deciding to send remounts, but it would be bettor to negative the motion now proposed.

Mr G. Fenwick said he did not think it necessary to move as an amendment the mo lion he had previously suggested, for he thought Mr Deniiislou might see his woy to alter his resolution in such a manner as to enable the meeting in a less crude manner to express its opinion as to the odvisablencss of Olugo joining in sending the third contingent. Mi* Denniston then adopted the resolution which had been drafted by Mr Fenwick, and moved it, as follows: — "That tlie province of Otago having contributed very largely to the patriotic fund, and that this meeting having affirmed that the provision of remounts for ths New Ztaland contingent is now of primary importance, regrets its inability to join in the expense of despatching a third contingent. " Tho motion was carried without dissent.

A vote- of thanks to the mayor for presiding terminated the proceedings. THE TROOPSHIP FOR THE CONTINGENT. WELLINGTON, January 29. The Government have finally decided that tho rough riders shall be despatched in the Knight Templar. The Undaunted will take cargo, as originally intended. The Knight Templar is a much larger boat than the latter, and is rpecialiy adapted tor carrying horses. Mr Daniel, of the Union Company, leaves for Lyttelton to-day to superintend her fitting up.

Colonel Penton, commandant, left for Christchurch to-night in connection with the despatch of the third contingent.

The Wellington Rifle Battalion, now in camp to the number of 380, are anxious to visit Christchurch to attend the send-off to the contingent, and Lieutenant-colonel Collins is comm.unicax.ing with the Government as to the transport of tho men and their accommodation in the southern city.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Chiaholm) received the following urgent telegram from the Right Hon. the Premier last evening: — " His Excellency the Governor has just received the following from the Secretary of State for War: — 'Gladly accept third contingent. Her Majesty's Government desire to express their grateful appreciation of the generosity and patriotism of the subscribers and volunteers.' Will be cheering to yourself and those who have taken so active a part in promoting the more fighting men movement. I am glad to hear that you are likely to send more men than was at • first anticipated. The Government, through his Excellency the Governor, offered 200 ; if tli6 number exceeded, all the better. Anyway, preference will be given to men from districts first offering." It now appears that in order to take part in the movement to send a third contingent of rough riders to South Africa it is necessary to appoint a local committee. The Defence department do not intend to take down the names of yolunloers. Unless, therefore, a committee is appointed in Dunedin to take in hand the matter of collecting subscriptions, inviting applications from those desirous of joining, and doing all the work in the matter, Otago will be out m the cold, although the number of those desiring to join is very large.

A private letter from Sydney states that besides the two contingents already sent by New South Wales, and the Bushmen's corps shortly to be despatched, 700 men are in training at Randwick, in case of need.

Arrangements have beesi made for the despatch of special mails to the No. 2 Contingent, as was done in the case of No. 1 Contingent. Persons addressing letters are requested to be careful to include the number of the contingent, so as to ensure their correspondence being despatched by the proper bags.

On this trip the Waiwera, with the second contingent, will call first at Durban, from which port, it is inferred, the second contingent may be attached to General Buller's army.

The men selected provisionally from the 15 applicants in the Feilding district are F. Pleasant?, J. Stewart, R. Simpson, W. Anderson, and F. Moore. Four of the men selected provide their own horses.

Mr C. de S. Teschemaker has offered, on behalf of the Kauroo estate, to mount any man... from North Otago who is accepted for the tliird^contingent. C. Hendricks, who is not unknown as a jockey, has been accepted for the third contingent.

Mr Thomas Morris, referring to the paragraph in our war correspondent's letter giving particulars as to the iniurious effect the small prickly plant of the Karroo Desert has on the coronets and heels of the horses, informs us that he is confident the case of 12 12oz stone boltles of his preparation forwarded by him to Major Robin will, when applied, immediately remove the trouble, as it has done so in similar cases here.

THE AGENT-GENERAL'S MESSAGES,

WELLINGTON, January 23,

The Agent-general telegraphs under date Itondon, January 22, at 8.40 p.m. : — " General Warren, with three brigades, pushed the enemy's forces some distance on the 19th and 20th. The enemy's forces retired coolly. Our loss was 350. On Saturday night General Warren's force was 20 miles west. Nothing is known of the means of subsistence at Ladysmith. General Lyttelton, with one brigade, is still at Potgieter's Drift. A decisive battle is expected."

January 29.

The Agent-general wired last night confirming the news of Trooper Booth's death. He also states that General Warren has retired south of the Tugela without loss, Spion Kop being difficult to hold, as its perimeter was too large and water was deficient.

THE LATE SERGEANT GOURLEY.

Mr li. W. Wilson, acting town clerk, has forwarded the following letter to the Hon. H. G our ley. —

" Dear Sir, — I am desired bjr his Worship the Mayor and City Councillors to convey their very sincero aad heartfelt condolence with you in the bereavement which has befallen you by the death of your son, Seigeant Gourley, of the New Zealand first contingent, on the battlefield in South Africa.

" Tho members of the council cannot but deeply syuoyga^hifce in tliia present trouble with

you, \iho for so many year? Fat with them as a colleague, and they sincerely trust that the true help from on High may sustain you through this affliction, and that you may be comforted with the knowledge that your brave lad went out at the call of duty and patriotism, and met a soldier's death in the service of his Queen and country."

GENERAL NEGLECT OF SCOUTING,

With reference to General Buller's indictment of British officers for neglecting scouting, a military critic, writing early in December to a Home paper, said : "It is certain that the reverses which have of late been suffered by the British have been tor the most part the result of imperfect performance of scouting duties — not merely the general scoutingduties, which are under the direction of the headquarters snaff, but of the d ities for which the generals commanding brigades, the colonels commanding battalions and regiments, and the majors and pap to ins commanding batteries and companies are responsible. The British officer is ps a rule, especially in the early part of the campaign, so keen to get at his v.ork, and so eager to join isstiG at once \\ ith the enemy, that lie is very apt to forget, or hurry over the preliminary precautionary measures."

NEW ZEALAND'S HELP IN THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

TO THE ETHT-^R,

SlB, — I think it is high time to pnure and consider what we are doing in this matter. We have all, I presume, one wish only, and that is to do the best we can for tho mother land. But are we doing so in trying to send a third contingent? Personally. I think it is not wanted. Great Britain ha< now (London Times) 105,000 men in the field. Wo have already, in common with the other colonies, sent our little quota of men, as a symbol of readiness to help — rather than as presuming actually to be of much use in deciding the war.

But we know that horses are wanted, both to consolidate the usefulness of the contingent already pent and to help in transport work.

Is it possible to get our Government to ask a plain question of the Home authorities? suoh as this: "We can send another contingent of men, or we can send more horses. — which is most useful?" If we can get a plain answer to i his plain question, I am sure Otago will do itn duty ; but as long as v/e don't know positively what ib wanted most at the Cape, tho efforts of both parties — the horse and contingent parties — will be paralysed. — I am. etc., D. COLQXTHOUK.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Trooper Harold Booth, killed at Rendsburg. joined the North Otago Mounted Rifles on the 20th of June, 1897, and at the time was the youngest recruit in the ranks. He came straight from the High School Cadets, and brought with him bhe reputation of being a first-class shot. This he upheld until the time of his departure with the contingent. A few days before leaving he fired for his marksman's badge, putting on the po&sible at two ranges out of three. On the following day he won the Troopers' Champion Cup. and also had such a lead for the Troopers' Champion Belt (which is fired for during training) that had he been present it was impossible for anyone to have beaten him. His reputation in the ranks was unassailable, rank and file all being captivated by his genial manner. "Happy-go-lucky Harold" was always in request at oil the camp revels, and his loss to tho troop will be one not ea«ily realised or filled. His death is felt keenly by all the officers and men of the North p-lago Mounted Rifles, and especially so by his section. He was a daring and almost reckless volunteer, and was a soldier in every sense of the word. He was the eldest son of the late Joseph Booth, and before volunteering was engaged al clerical work with his step-father, "Mr C. W. Cooke. He was just 21 years of age. — Oamaru Mail. The news from Colenso has caused a painixxl impression in Basutoland. The Boer accounts, which they spread amongst the natives, are, of course, most exaggerated and misleading, their losses being concealed and the British losses being magnified. It is also made out thai God is on the bide of the Boer, and against the British. It cannot be wondered at that the natives should get into a hesitating mood, until the march of events is more clearly revealed.

The correspondent of the Cape Times, referring to the British position on the Modder River, says : — Our position is now one of extreme security. It is an unrivalled position either for defensive or offensive operations. A long rolling plain extends on all 3ides, bounded on the north by Magersfonteiu. The range is too distant to affect our position. The water of the river has been analysed and pronounced excellent. The troops are extremely healthy, and the men have entirely recovered from the fatigues of the last fight.

A i %th o, who escaped from the Boer lines, states that the enemy's loss at the battle of Colenso on Friday wps 800, mostly dead. The boy speaks Dutch, and o-ver-heard tho figures being mentioned. Numbers of Dutch women, who were with their husbands, and who were outside the radius of fire, were weeping all night after the battle. The boy further states that Farnie Eock and Judge Kock, who were permitted by Sir George White to leave Ladysmith on the death of General Kock, are with the commando at Colenso.

One is never tired of wandering over the Modder battlefield (writes the correspondent of the Cape Times) . where something new may generally be learned. Close examination shows that not a tree or shrub in RostalVs orchard, which was filled with Boers but has been maimer" and injured by shell fire, hardly a leaf in the prickly pear hedge running along the wall, over which the Boers were firmg 1 , but is perforated by shrapnel bullets, and not a meat tin lying in the trenches but bears evidence of a terrific artillery fire, and the iron buildings of the hotel are riddled to resemble cullenders, notwithstanding which the enemy were very much in evidence with a murderous rifle fire whenever our men came within their zone. The late battles have gone a long way to prove that, with the modern firearm riflemen properly entrenched, are practically invulnerable to assault, even supported by artillery fire such as wo hp.ve lately seen.

In connection with the information that Colonel Plumer is moving to the relief of Mafeking, it appears that a previous cablegram stating that he had retired on account of the drought was a misreading of his operations. A telegram published in the Oapo Times, dated December 8, says: — Colonel Plum or, with a strong reconnoitring patrol, left Tuli on tho Ist and entered the Transvaal on the 3rd at the junction of the Crocodile and Macloutsi Rivers, thence through the veldt to a point on the coach road 50 miles north of Pictcrsburg. Owing to the extreme drought the reconnaissance was not pushed forward, and the parly patrolled baolc to RkG.de/ Drift. No Boers were §ccn t Tuli

and Macloutsi have been garrisoned. Colonel Plunder's patrols are constantly reconnoitring the Transvaal side in case the enemy returns. In a Danish newspaper of Novembor 9, in' an article headed " Denmark's Gift to Tommy} Atkins," the following appears: — "A corn^y mittee consisting of the principal business men* in Copenhagen has been formed with the intention to get together some 50,000 parcels o§ butter, one pound weight each, to be for-i' warded to the English soldiers now fightingi in South Africa, for distribution amongst thet various regiments. The committee is sending?, circulars to all the dairies and exporters ofi butter iv Denmark to contribute their sharey and feel confident from the hearty way their request so far has been responded to from, all parts of the country that their plan will be successful." The circular gracefully acknowledges the debt the Danish dairy industry owes to Great Britain, which country is the largest purcha-ier of Deiimark's produce.

Between 120 and 130 railway men on tha Hunmui-Bliyff section have volunteered for railway service in South Africa.

A Borderer now living in Durban lips written Home describing v visit to Ladymith and the battle fought there on October 30. Aftsr narrating ths opening of the contest, he proceeds: ''One could not help being surprised at the cool way the peipls of Lr.clyfemith behaved. Some of the more courageous of the ladies had ventured on the hill beside us to tee the battle, and were standing conspicuously dressed in white. On their being a«ked by p soldier to sit down, and keep out of »ight, as they made a s-plandid target for tho enemy's guns (and there was quite a large crowd by this time), one lady calmly replied that she was not going to soil her dress by sitting on the dirty ground. I saw him give a grin and a look of despair, as much as to say the ladies must have their own way, "as usual."

Describing the bringing in of the wounded after the battle the Borderer writes : "I saw four Gordons carrying one of their comrades fiom the field on a stretcher. As they walked slowly down the street 1 noticed a lady hurry after them and give hei umbrella to kesp the scorching sun off his face. At different parts of the town women were standing with, huge cans of tea and coffee, which they served, to the weary and tired-out men ■as they passed along."