THE PROPOSED THIRD CONTINGENT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9939, 16 January 1900, Page 2

THE PROPOSED THIRD CONTINGENT.

A LETTER FROM THE PREMIER. SUGGESTS WANGANtn SHOULD' EQUIP AND SEND 25 MEN. MASS MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW, ~ Hu; Woishop th 3 Mayor received the following telegram from tho Hon. the Premier last night- — Hatrick, Mayor, \\ anganui. As you wore one of the first to take tho initiative, you will be pleased to learn that Canterbury has offered a contingent of 50 men, which has been acc'pted under terms of arrangement hcreunder mentioned Wanganui mi°-ht send 25. If Canterbury provides and equips 50 mounted men and pays the passage of both men and horses to South Africa, the Government of New Zealand mil accept and, through His Excellency thf Governor, offer their services to the Imperial Government. The colony

would, conjointly with tho Imperial GoV* vcrnmont, pay the men from the date . they go on board the transport ship. The ' men and horses are to be subject to the - approval of the Commander of the Forces, and men are to be hardy rqilgh f riders and fair allots, not under 20 or over 40. The Government have further v decided tha*- this offer to accept a contingent from Canterbury applies to all parts of the colony, and any contingent or part thereof will be similarly treated nnd accepted, provided the total number dOD3 not exceed 250.— R. J. SEDDON."

In coneotion with the above, the Mayor has vonvened a meeting of citizens and volunteers for to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock in the Drill Hall, when addresses will be delivered by representative citizens. Mr Hatrick desires volunteers to attend in uniform, and also expresses the hope that the Garrison Band will bo present. Particulars as to thci probable cost, which it is expected will not exceed .£SO per man (inchidinghorse), or a total or not more than .41400. The subscriptions raised locally - towards the "More Men and Horses" Fund up to date total close on .£6OO, and this amount will be devoted to the fund should Wanganui decide to send the 25 men. We have no doubt that the meeting to-morrow will be a record one and " that tho citizens of Wanganui will riseto the occasion and maintain their tepfyeS tation for rendering practical assistance* 1 when such is necessary. ,\