NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS FOR SOUTH AFRICA. TELEGRAM FROM THE PREMIER TO, AND REPLIES FROM, MEMBERS OF BOTH BRANCHES OF THE LEGISLATURE ON THE SUBJECT OF SENDING A SECOND CONTINGENT, &c.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1900 Session I, H-06i

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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS FOR SOUTH AFRICA. TELEGRAM FROM THE PREMIER TO, AND REPLIES FROM, MEMBERS OF BOTH BRANCHES OF THE LEGISLATURE ON THE SUBJECT OF SENDING A SECOND CONTINGENT, &c.

Laid upon the Table of both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave.

Telegram from the Peemiee to Membebs of both Bbanches of the Legislatube on the Subject of sending a Second Contingent, and equipping the Hotohkiss Battery offered by the ArmstrongElswick Company. In respect to the present position in the Transvaal, the Government are of the opinion that, in the interests of the Empire, New Zealand should send a second contingent similar to the first. Eeeognising the constitutional position, and before any offer is made to the Imperial authorities, or definite responsibility is assumed, I desire to have your views upon the question. You will be pleased to hear that the Armstrong-Elswick Company offer the Government of New Zealand gratuitously for use at the end of the war four rifle Hotchkiss machine-guns, with pack-saddle equipment complete, of latest pattern, suitable for cavalry or mounted infantry, accompanied by an expert instructor. The Agent-General asks if we will supply forty horses and thirty men, and to offer the whole to the British Government. We are of the opinion that this offer should be accepted. What do you say ? Reply by memo, as early as possible on the two questions submitted. Wellington, 16th December, 1899. R. J. Seddon.

REPLIES FROM MEMBERS OP THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Rt. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Port Chalmers, 20th December, 1899. I appeove of sending second contingent similar to last to South Africa, also extra forty horses and thirty men in order that colony may possess four guns on termination of war. I shall support vote for those purposes. E. G. Allen.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. . Dunedin North, 20th December, 1899. Back up the Empire by all means, and accept Armstrong-Elswick offer. James Allen.

Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Dunedin, 20th December, 1899. Am of opinion that it is our duty in the interests of the Empire, and honour of New Zealand, to send a second contingent. Hope Government will do all in its power to assist those who are so willing to help in various ways. Think also that the Armstrong offer should be accepted. Would it not be wise if contingent do go to send trained nurses to accompany? J. F. Abnold.

Sib,—- 14, Brandon Street, Wellington, N.Z., 20th December, 1899. In reply to your telegram of yesterday's date, I have the honour to say that I favoured the sending of the New Zealand Contingent to South Africa in October last mainly for its moral effect as a recognition of our Imperial responsibilities and a symbol of Imperial unity. The proposal to despatch a second contingent for the same purpose I approve still more emphatically, because, while confirming the moral lesson of the first, it would also have a practical and immediate utility for the purpose of the war far beyond what there was ground for expecting three months ago.

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With regard to your second question, I am not quite clear as to the exact nature of the offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company. The words " offer the Government of New Zealand gratuitously for use at the end of the war" are ambiguous, but I infer from the Agent-General's message that at the least the company must have offered to supply the guns and the equipment for use during the war if the colony will provide the men and the horses. Such an offer I think the colony should certainly accept. Yours, &c, Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington." A. E. Atkinson.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Dunedin, 21st December, 1899. Ageeb with Government suggestions. Eegret apparent necessity for second contingent. Two ladies here, trained nurses, desire to go, if possible. A. E. Babclay.

The Premier, Wellington. Eae's Junction, 20th December, 1899. Youes to hand re Transvaal question. Quite approve of your suggestion, even if it were double the amount mentioned. James Bennet.

The Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. Youe telegram only just received. Am of opinion second contingent should be sent; also AgentGeneral's question should be answered in the affirmative. John Bollabd, M.H.E.

Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Christehurch, 20th December, 1899. Gbavity of situation demands despatch second contingent mounted infantry ; also accept Armstrong's offer, and add men and horses to contingent. Am of opinion that further sacrifice may be necessary; Government should be prepared. D. Buddo, Eangiora.

Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Mosgiel, 20th December, 1899. lam in favour sending second mounted contingent. Think appeal should be made to patriotism of the people to gratuitously supply as many of the horses as possible ; believe there would be considerable response. The handsome offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company should be accepted. W. Caenceoss.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Christehurch, 20th December, 1899. Yes to both proposals re contingent. W. W. Collins.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Westport, 20th December, 1899. I am strongly of opinion that the Government should send a second contingent to the Transvaal. My view is that on occasions like the present a loyal patriotic and prompt assistance should be given to the Mother-country, and would undoubtedly comply with Agent-General's request. James Colvin.

The Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. Yes to both questions. lam surprised at the smallness of the numbers—forty horses and thirty men. W. Cbowthee, Auckland.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Pukeuri Junction, 20th December, 1899. Entirely with the Government in sending second contingent. Most certainly Armstrong Company's offer should be accepted. You should see what horses are required, and send plenty. Duncan.

The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Christehurch, 20th December, 1899. Memoeandum just received. The continued reverses which the Empire's forces are suffering at the hands of the enemy make your duty plain. I therefore approve of both suggestions contained in your memorandum. H. G. Ell.

Dunedin, 20th December, 1899. The Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. Unnecessary to ask me. Answer to both questions —emphatically, Yes. My blood boils. I tell you, honestly and truthfully, that if I were a younger man I would volunteer for the Transvaal myself. This is what may be called a characteristic answer but. it is what I feel and what I mean. Gbo. Fishes.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Geraldine, 20th December, 1899. Am favourable to sending second contingent, which I think should be despatched as soon as possible. F. E. Flatman.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Geraldine, 20th December, 1899. Omitted to reply to question two yesterday; answer favourably inclined. F. B. Flatman.

Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. I intended telegraphing to-day that I should heartily approve of sending a further strong contingent to South Africa. My answer therefore to both questions is a very decided affirmative. George Fowlds.

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Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Tβ Aute, 30th December, 1899. Entirely coincide with Government that a further contingent should be sent to the Transvaal; in this opinion I but re-echo the voice of the whole of my constituency. Many promising young men here—Volunteers—have already offered their services, and are keen to fight for the old flag and have utu for their brother's blood ; regret proposed contingent is not larger. Alfred L. D. Fwaser.

Sib,-* Wellington, 20th December, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your telegraphic memo, of 19th December. lam strongly of opinion that a second contingent of mounted infantry should be sent with utmost despatch from New Zealand to South Africa, and also that the offer of the ArmstrongElswick Company with its attendant responsibilities should be accepted. I have, &c, Rt. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Wμ. Frasbb, M.H.R.

The Premier, Wellington. Invercargill, 21st December, 1899. I consider gravity of situation in Transvaal, the reverses that British forces have sustained, and the consequent jubilant tone Continental Press necessitate vigorous prosecution of war. Government's proposals meet approval in view of what other colonies are doing. M. GILFEDDEB.

Sir,— Wellington, 19th December, 1899. Be a second New Zealand contingent for South Africa: In reply to your telegram hereon, which I received on my arrival by s.s. " Botorua" this morning at Wellington, it having been readdressed to me from Nelson, my answer is Yes. I unreservedly agree to the proposal, and I trust that, irrespective of persons, every care will be taken to send only first-class shots who are also good horsemen. I also cordially approve of the offer of four Hotchkiss machine-guns by the Armstrong-Blswick Company being promptly accepted, and provision being made to forward the necessary equipment of horses and men to work them —the best the colony can supply. I should also be glad if the colony were to send a shipment of good and suitable horses as a gift from the colonists to our Mother-country for service in the arduous work now being carried on in South Africa. Yours faithfully, Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier. John Graham, Member for Nelson.

Rt. Hon. Premier, Wellington. Kumara, 20th December, 1899. I entirely approve of the decisions of the Government to send a second contingent to the Transvaal, and also to supply the horses and men required for the Hotchkiss guns offered by the Armstrong-Elswick Company. A. R. Guinness.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Woodville, 20th December, 1899. In reply to your telegram re forces for Transvaal. Our duty to the Mother-country, the unity of the Empire, and the immense importance and unbounded benefit to New Zealand of the maintenance of British rule in South Africa, demand that a second contingent should be sent, and that quickly. The offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company should also be accepted. Chaeles Hall, M.H.R.

Rt. Hon. Mr. Seddon, Wellington. Invercargill, 20th December. 1899. Received telegram re Transvaal contingent. I warmly support Government proposal herein. J. A. Hanan.

Rt. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Christchurch, 20th December, 1899. Approve of second contingent being sent by colony and acceptance of Armstrong-Elswick offer. C. A. C. Haedy.

Premier, Wellington. Te Aroha, 20th December, 1899. Yes to both questions. W. H. Heebies.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Masterton, 20th December, 1899. Am prepared to waive any objection to reception of Hotchkiss gun, but am not in favour of sending further contingents. A. W. Hogg.

Rt. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Carterton, 20th December, 1899. My earnest opinion is that a contingent similar to the first should be equipped and despatched at earliest possible moment. It is not enough that New Zealand should merely send forty horses and thirty men —this is a moment when every true son of the Empire should stand firm and be prepared to uphold Britain's honours. By all means let us have another contingent, and I know our boys will be ready to go. Thank you much for the information sent. Try to send the contingent at whatever cost. There is unexampled prosperity in the colony. We shall not be crippled by the cost, and no injustice will be done to colonists. J. T. M. Hoensby.

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Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Mangonui, 20th December, 1899. After careful consideration my opinion is that, in the interest of the Empire and our own interest, a second contingent should be offered. Will this require the assembling of Parliament ? As regards the other, I would advise acceptance at once, and provide the horses and men. Our position in Africa does not look bright, and no expense must be spared to retrieve that position. Eobt. M. Houston.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Wellington, 20th December, 1899. I am fully aware that no word of mine can possibly influence the actions of the Government in respect to the Transvaal horror, but in reply to the courtesy of your memorandum I have simply to state that the moderately expressed views I held concerning the sending of the First Contingent are now accentuated and confirmed. As to the second question : With no desire to be considered either rude or eccentric, I certainly am not pleased to learn that a certain firm of gun-makers are offering to make us a present of four machine-guns provided we advertise them by killing a certain number of unoffending people with them. John Hutchbson.

The Premier, Wellington. Wellington, 20th December, 1899. I concue. George Hutchison.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Ohaupo, 21st December, 1899. Strongly in favour of sending second contingent; also that offer mentioned should be accepted. Will support Government in aiding Old Country in any way they think desirable. F. W. Lang.

The Premier, Wellington. Lyttelton, 20th December, 1899. I am strongly in favour of our colony sending second contingent to the Transvaal, and as soon as possible. If arrangements can also be made to take advantage of Armstrong's offer so much the better. George Laurbnson.

Hon. Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. Have just received your telegram. Quite concur in proposals. Frank Lαwry.

Premier, Wellington. Christchurch, 20th December, 1899. Yes. C. Lewis.

Et. Hon. Seddon, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. lam prepared to defend the two proposals re contingent and horses. Hotchkiss machine-guns I know nothing about. If you are agreeable, lam prepared to help. James McGowan.

Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Okoiwa, 20th December, 1899. I am in accordance with the Government's proposal to send at once a second contingent similar to the first. Government, in my opinion, should not hesitate, but should at once accept the offer and comply with the condition of the Armstrong-Blswick Company in the interest of the Empire. Felix McGuire.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. Nelson, 20th December, 1899. In face of recent reverses to Imperial forces in South Africa, I fully approve of sending another contingent of about two hundred, men to reinforce our men already there. The expense will necessarily be heavy, but feel convinced all patriotic colonists will indorse your proposal. Also approve of the acceptance of the generous offer made by the Armstrong-Elswick Company. E. MoKenzie.

Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Doyleston, 21st December, 1899. In reply to your wire re contingent, presume my wire of Tuesday was accepted as acquiescing in your proposal. Will support Government. John McLachlan.

Et. Hon. Premier, Wellington. Invercargill, 22nd December, 1899. Just received your wire re contingent for Transvaal, having been absent in country. An emergency undoubtedly has arisen in the history of the Empire. Approve second contingent and second proposal. Eobert McNab.

Et. Hon. Premier, Wellington. Mangere, 20th December, 1899. Am strongly of opinion that a second contingent should be offered by this colony, and that the Armstrong-Elswick guns should be accepted, and, if possible, utilised in South Africa. W. F. Massey.

Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Eangiora, 20th December, 1899. I most heartily concur with Government in proposal to send a second military contingent to the Transvaal, and will undertake my full share of responsibility as a representative of the people. The moment is critical. Act promptly. Our duty is plain. The offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company of machine-guns should be gratefully accepted. E. Meredith.

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Hon. B. J. Seddon, Wellington. Dunedin, 20th December, 1899. I heartily approve of sending second contingent, also acceptance of Armstrong's offer, as I believe nothing should be wanting on our part at the present juncture to assist the Motherland. J. A. Millar.

The Premier, Wellington. Blenheim, 21st December, 1899. I quite coincide with the views of the Government in sending another two hundred mounted men to aid the Empire in the Transvaal War, but do not consider the matter of reinforcement so momentous as to necessitate embarking them until the " Waiwera " returns. I hope the AgentGeneral's request will be complied with, and that some of our wealthy colonists will, in the same patriotic spirit as their Australian cousins, make the Government a present of the horses required. I tender my hearty thanks to the Armstrong-Elswick Company for their generous offer. C. H. Mills.

The Premier, Wellington. Helensville, 20th December, 1899. I am willing to support both proposals. E. Monk.

E. J. Seddon,'*Premier, Wellington. Dunedin, 20th December, 1899. Strongly approve of sending another contingent. This is the time for New Zealand to show its loyalty to the Empire. Would accept the offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company. Arthur Morrison.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. I am of opinion that New Zealand should send to South Africa, with the utmost despatch, five hundred troops, of whom two hundred should be mounted. The interests of the Empire should outweigh every other consideration. We have not hitherto done our complete duty in return for the protection of the Imperial flag. I trust Government will show same promptitude they displayed in despatch of First Contingent. W. J. Napier.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Woodville, 20th December, 1899. I certainly agree with Government's proposal to despatch, with the least possible delay, a second contingent; and recognise the necessity and right of the colonies to assist in every way possible the Mother-country. Advise accept offers, and despatch men and horses as expeditiously as possible, proving to the world the. unanimity and loyalty of Britishers wherever located. J. O'Meara.

Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. I entirely concur in New Zealand contributing to the utmost of its ability in aiding the Mothercountry in the present critical affairs in the Transvaal. At the same time I cannot refrain from deploring the fatal policy England embarked on when, about 1868, it withdrew every British soldier from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the Cape, and ignominiously dismissed Sir George Grey from the Governorship of New Zealand, and from the service of the Empire for ever, because he protested against that policy as applied to New Zealand. I hope when the war is over England will see to it that none of her colonies shall ever be left without possessing the emblems of her military power as well as of her naval power. G. Maurice O'Eorke.

Hon. Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 19th December, 1899. I believe in New Zealand aiding all possibly can. Whatever you do will have my hearty support, aid, and approval. Jackson Palmeb.

Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. General feeling here forty men and horses too little, and we should send another contingent strength of last. Whatever you do I heartily approve. Jackson Palmer.

Secretary to Premier, Wellington. Palmerston North, 20th December, 1899. My answer is decided affirmative. My eldest son anxious go. Hope be arranged. Fred. Pirani.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Christchurch, 20th December, 1899. Agree with you right course to send second contingent. Men eager to go. Have sent in number of applications from men in my town corps to-day. I think offer of Armstrong-Elswick Company ought to be accepted. E. Heaton Ehodes.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Hanmer Springs, 20th December, 1899. Will heartily support the Government in whatever action it may take on those points submitted to me. Personally I should like to see our second contingent embrace both mounted force and either infantry or artillery; the selection is greatly limited if only mounted are selected, and our infantry and artillery will miss all chance of gaining practical experience in war. I imagine the cost of, say, one hundred mounted and two hundred unmounted men would about equal that of two hundred mounted, and would like our foot soldiers to have a show if possible. This suggestion you will have better means of valuing than I have. G. W. Eussell.

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Bt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Hastings, 20th December, 1899. I quite agree that it is our duty to send a second contingent similar in every respect to that already sent to South Africa, and will assume my full share of responsibility for its despatch. I also approve the acceptance of the offer of the four Hotchkiss guns and offering the battery to the British Government fully manned and horsed. W. R. Russell.

Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. New Plymouth, 20th December, 1899. Iμ reply to your memorandum, my views on Government sending second contingent Transvaal, and accepting the splendid offer of Armstrong and Co., my answer is, on behalf of my constituency, Yes, do so. Anything the Government do in this important national Imperial question will be done in the interest of the colony and the British Empire as a whole, to the honour of Her Majesty the Queen, and to maintain the liberty of the British-speaking people. Reply to Imperial Government, and at once. E. Mbtcalf Smith.

Sib,— Bull's, 21st December, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram respecting the question of despatching a second contingent of Volunteers to South Africa, and in reply I desire to say that I not only concur in the proposal made by the Government for sending the reinforcements, but also believe that it will be of great service to the colony and to the contingent if the offer made by the Armstrong-Elswick Company of field-guns be accepted. The Government is to be commended for the prompt and practical manner in which this serious question is being dealt with. I have, &c, Rt. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. John Stevens.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Ashburton, 20th December, 1899. The emergency demands prompt and vigorous measures. Send the second contingent as proposed ; also accept offer of guns made by Armstrong-Elswick Company; provide horses and gunners as requested; and secure fastest available transport-steamer. Not a moment should be lost. Bis dat, gui cito dat. Am confident my constituency will heartily concur. W. J. Stewaed.

Rt. Hon. Seddon, Wellington. Stratford, 22nd December, 1899. Cannot think any emergency has arisen in connection with Empire and Transvaal; but, as an Imperialist, acquiesce in maintaining our position among other colonies for loyalty to Her Majesty. Walteb Symes.

Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Christchureh, 20th December, 1899. Telegeam received. I agree with both propositions ; send another contingent and accept the offer made through Agent-General, and the House will support you all right. Tanner.

Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington. Whangarei, 20th December, 1899. I am convinced it is our duty to give all the assistance we can to the Imperial Government. By all means send another contingent, and accept the offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company. R. Thompson.

Rt. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 20th December, 1899. Accept Armstrong-Elswick Company's offer. By all means send contingent. Patriotism is the vital condition of national permanence. Thomas M. Wilfoed.

Hon. Premier, Wellington. Wanganui, 20th December, 1899. Heaetily support and congratulate Government on both proposals. Grand opportunity showing practically our loyalty, patriotism, and desire for unity British Empire. A. D. Willis.

REPLIES FROM MEMBERS OP THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Premier, Wellington. Marton, 20th December, 1899. So far as I can judge public opinion in this district favours despatch of second contingent, which I strongly support. I think offer of Elswick Company should be accepted. F. Aekweight.

Rt. Hon. Premier, Wellington. Picton, 20th December, 1899. Youb question is one which touches the supremacy of the Empire. Decidedly New Zealand should supply a second contingent of men, and find the necessary funds to maintain the same. Your second question re Armstrong's offer : It should be decidedly accepted, and New Zealand supply men, horses, and money. W. D. H. Baillib.

Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. Richmond, 21st December, 1899. With respect to the first of the two questions submitted by the Government to the members of Parliament, I am of opinion that a second contingent should under the circumstances be sent to the Transvaal. With respect to the second question, lamat a moment's notice incompetent to form a decided opinion, but am content to leave its solution, whatever it may be, in the safe hands of the Government. J. W. Babnicoat, M.L.C.

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Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Dunedin, 20th December, 1899. Heaktily concur in proposal send another contingent to the Transvaal; also in accepting Armstrong Company's offer. Convinced colony will enthusiastically uphold your action in both cases. W. M. Bolt.

Et. Hon. Premier, Wellington. Hokitika, 20th December, 1899. Heaktily concur with proposal send further contingent mounted men. Would not hesitate accept liberal offer of Armstrpng-Blswick Company. Circumstances Transvaal seem to demand most vigorous and united action with Mother-country. J. A. Bonae.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Christchurch, 20th December, 1899. I heabtily agree with attitude of Government in this matter, and think that a second contingent should be sent at once; also, that the offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company should be accepted, if possible. The second contingent should be twice as strong as the first. The first effort of the colonies was to show what might be done, if necessary, now the necessity has arisen. Chablbs C. Bowbn.

Invercargill, 20th December, 1899. Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. • Begabding question number one : Entirely concur with Ministerial view, and am certain that public opinion in Southland will be unanimous and hearty approval. Eegarding number two: The same, and I may venture to add that there must be a large number of artillery Volunteers in colony with enthusiasm for that branch of service, also able to ride well, from whom really smart body of men can readily be selected. Heney Feldwick.

Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Te Aro, 20th December, 1899. I am in favour of sending another contingent, and accepting the Armstrong's offer. F. H. Fbasek.

Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Dunedin, 20th December, 1899. I thokoughly indorse the proposal to send a second contingent, and also accept the offer of the Armstrong Company, as, in my opinion, nothing should be wanting on our part to assist the Mother-country at the present juncture. Hugh Godeley.

Sik,— Wellington, New Zealand, 20th December, 1899. In answer to your urgent telegram, I write to say that New Zealand, in my opinion, is bound by honour, conscience, and interest to support the Imperial Government in the present African war. I approve of the despatch of a second contingent similar to the last from the colony ; also of our acceptance of the offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company; and am satisfied the colony ought to provide the forty horses and thirty men mentioned by the Agent-General, and offer them also for acceptance by the Imperial Government. I am absolutely opposed to our sending out of New Zealand a single artilleryman, whether of the Permanent or Volunteer Force, and strongly urge that we should at once efficiently arm at least five thousand Volunteers. I have, &c, Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier. Moegan S. Gbace, M.L.C.

The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Buckland, 21st December, 1899. Ceetainly send on to Transvaal. I should much prefer sending a whole regiment under present circumstances. B. Habbis, M.L.C.

Sik,— Wellington, 20th December, 1899. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your memorandum wire of yesterday, and in reply thereto beg to state that my entire and cordial sympathy is with the proposal to send a second contingent to the Transvaal. As regards the second proposal, while it would virtually amount to the same thing, yet I think it would lend greater weight to this tangible form of expression of loyalty if we concur to increase the number of our contingent by fifty (or even, if possible, one hundred) than by offering thirty men to the British Government, as suggested in the second proposal. I am, &c, Bt. Hon. the Premier. J. E. Jenkinson.

New Plymouth, 20th December, 1899. Et. Hon. B. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. I think it is the duty of the Government to render additional assistance in the way of sending a second contingent to the Transvaal. It will be another link strengthening the chain of Imperial federation of the British-speaking communities. I look forward to the British Imperial Parliament recognising the patriotic spirit of the Australasian Colonies by granting representation of the colonies in the British Parliament. The offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company is a generous one, and, in addition to the sending of the second contingent, should, in my opinion, be accepted by Government. I strongly support action of Government in undertaking the further responsibility. Wμ. T. Jennings, New Plymouth.

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Sib,— 20th December, 1899. Believing that the sooner the war in South Africa is brought to a close the greater the advantage to the Empire, I am in favour of this colony sending the fullest possible assistance, and I therefore approve the proposal to send the further contingent. With reference to the offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company: If the battery is to be attached to our corps of mounted infantry, then I approve of the Armstrong Company's offer being accepted. Yours, &c, Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, P.C., &c. C. J. Johnston.

Et. Hon. Dr. Seddon, Wellington. Oamaru, 20th December, 1899. Though regret bitter necessity, I answer Yes to both propositions. Gbo. Jones.

New Plymouth, 20th December, 1899. Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. I cordially approve of your proposal to send a second contingent to the assistance of the Mother-country in South Africa. I also approve of the offer of forty horses and thirty men as asked for by Agent-General. I duly appreciate the gift of the Elswick Company to New Zealand. I feel confident the people of the colony will back you up in this small contribution of help given freely by a loyal people to the Mother-country in her hour of need. The honour of the Empire is at stake, and we must be equal to the ocoasion ; be strong on this great emergency. Thos. Kelly.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 22nd December, 1899. I am of opinion second contingent should be sent as early as possible, and that offer mentioned in your memorandum be accepted. Eegret unable to reply sooner, owing to absence from home. Wμ. Kelly.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. . Picton, 20th December, 1899. Yes, certainly, to both questions. Couetenay Kenny.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington, Greymouth, 20th December, 1899. I fully indorse Government's opinion that in the interests of the Empire New Zealand should send a second contingent similar to the first ; also, that the Government should offer to the British Government forty horses and thirty men (or a greater number). Very kind of the Armstrong-Elswick Company to offer New Zealand four rifle Hotchkiss machine-guns at the end of the war. James Keee.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Dunedin, 19th December, 1899. Heahtily approve Government sending second contingent and accepting other offer. Geokge McLean.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Oamaru, 20th December, 1899. In view of the widespread disaffection at the Cape and the strenuous efforts British Government and colonies are making to furnish additional forces, there can be no doubt every man we can send will be acceptable, I therefore quite agree with you New Zealand should send a second contingent similar to the first. It appears from the reports, especially that of the 19th instant, our boys have already proved very useful. Armstrong-Elswick Company's offer is at end of war ; but if available now, and if required, number of men and horses properly trained can be furnished in time to be of service. If Imperial Government requires them by all means offer them. H. J. MILLEE.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Little Eiver, 20th December, 1899. Telegbam received. I entirely approve of a second contingent being sent. ■ I am further of opinion that the second contingent should consist of at least five hundred men, and that the cost of the horses and all expense should be borne by the New Zealand Government; that they should be despatched immediately regardless of cost. The offer made by the Armstrong-Elswick Company should be accepted. The Agent-General's question should be answered in the affirmative, and I think the supply asked for is much below what we are able to and should contribute. W. MONTGOMEEY.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 21st December, 1899. Sobey for delay in answering your memorandum. Been away. I say Yes to both questions, and am ready to vote any loan required and for more men. G. B. Moreis.

Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Napier, 20th December, 1899. I COEDIALLY concur with the opinion of the Government on both questions stated in your memorandum. J. D. Osmond, M.L.C.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Christchureh, 20th December, 1899. Most certainly consider a second contingent should be sent, and that the Armstrong-Elswick offer should be accepted with the conditions suggested in your memorandum. J. T. Peacock.

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Bt. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Dunedin, 20th December, 1899. Stbongly support both proposals. D. PINKEBTON.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. Nelson, 20th December, 1899. Just back from Coast, and received your memorandum. I certainly think, in the interest of the Empire, and for the honour and glory of New Zealand, a second contingent should be sent, and accept offer of Armstrong Company. Wish I was a few years younger. Eich. Reeves.

Sib,— Wellington, 20th December, 1899. In reply to your memorandum received this morning, I have to state that I consider that the offer of further troops for South Africa by the other colonies, and the acceptance of the Home authorities, leaves us no option in the matter. I am therefore prepared to support both proposals. I have, &c, Et. Hon. the Premier. John Bigg.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Pahi, 22nd December, 1899. The Empire not being in danger, 1 think the contingent already sent paid sufficient demonstration of our loyalty and readiness to assist in case of need. The sending four guns, &c, as proposed would, in my opinion, be quite unnecessary, the resources of the Home Government in that arm being almost unlimited. ■ H. Scotland.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Oamaru, 20th December, 1899. In reply to your memorandum, I say Yes to your two questions. If seventy is not too old, I am willing to go myself in defence of my Queen. S. E. Sheimski.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Dunedin, 19th December, 1899. I HEAETiLY approve of both questions, and I shall be glad to supply one horse as my contribution to our colony's endeavour to assist in our colony's offer. Let me hear from you whether I shall supply one myself or pay Government on account of one. A. Lee Smith.

Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Waipukurau, 20th December, 1899. Colony should, under present circumstances, support the Mother-country to the utmost. Am therefore in favour of sending contingent and accepting the Armstrong-Els wick Company's offer without delay. W. C. Smith.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Dunedin, 21st December, 1899. Parliament having approved sending First Contingent proposal seems to me merely an extension of action already proved, and, as such, justifiable. E. C. J. Stevens.

Newton, 20th December, 1899. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier of New Zealand, Wellington. You have acted in the best interests of the Empire, and that is the opinion of every one I have spoken to on the subject. Wμ. Swanson.

E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Hastings, 21st December, 1899. Accept the propositions. Very great sympathy for our boys in Transvaal. If well, I will take Maori contingent myself to front to help Imperial force at once. H. Tomoana.

Et. Hon. Seddon, Wellington. Temuka, 20th December, 1899. I agbee with Government in both instances. This is no time to ask the reason why. J. M. Twomey.

Et. Hon. The Premier, Wellington. Geraldine, 21st December, 1899. I think another contingent should be sent. We have any amount of horses cheap enough for the machine-guns. Pity they are not Maxims instead of Hotchkiss. L. Walkeb.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Kawakawa, 20th December, 1899. Was away from home. Found your telegram on return last night, or should have replied at once. Am strongly of opinion that a second contingent should be sent similar to first. I also think that Agent-General's suggestion re horses and men in connection with Armstrong-Elswick Company's offer Hotchkiss guns be carried out. H. Williams.

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