(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2403, 22 March 1900, Page 49

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, March 19. There is f-till much adverse comment here in regard to the appointment of officers to the lourth contingent, and the mailer was brought up to-day at a meeting of the Executive Committee by Mr Morrison, a wellknown lawyer and volunteer, who protested against the action o[ the Government in ignoring the committee in the selection of certain officers. He moved — " The committee regrets that, in view of the fact that the Wellington section of the fourth contingent was wholly ccfuipped by voluntary contributions, the Government phould have disregarded the expressed wish of the committee in regard to the appointment of officers by displacing Lieutenant Johnston, and making other appointments not recommended by the committee, and respectfully request 0 that the Government will attach Lieutenant Johnston to the Wellington company in his former capacity.' 1 Messrs T. K. Macdonald and T. M. Wilford, M.H.li.j jpio tested agaiast tho motion, jyliich

could have no practical result, and would have an irritating effect. Mr ±.~orrison declined to withdraw the motion, which was put to the meeting, and lost by 6 to 4.

Mr Souper. chief fetevvard of the Tutanekai, has been commissioned by the Government to proceed to Capetown by the Gymeric to superintend the comrni&sr.riat department of the fifth contingent. Mr Smith, second steward of the Tutanok&i, will fill Mr Souper' s> place during his absence.