NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS FOR SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA (CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND, &c., WITH REFERENCE TO), AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON WHICH THEY WERE ACCEPTED.

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

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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS FOR SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA (CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND, &c., WITH REFERENCE TO), AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON WHICH THEY WERE ACCEPTED.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

(No. 67.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 29th September, 1899. I have the honour to enclose you a resolution passed by the House of Representatives on the 28th September. On the declaration of the division—fifty-four in favour and five against— there was a scene of the greatest enthusiasm, the whole House rising and singing the National Anthem, followed by rounds of applause. 2. The same evening my Premier had an interview with me, asking me to cable the resolution and offer of services of two companies of Mounted Rifles. Each company is to consist of one hundred rank-and-file and at least four officers. 3. The New Zealand Government will provide outfit, transport to African port, rations, and horse-feed en route; but on landing, transport, rations, and ammunition to be provided by the Imperial authorities. This colony has no transport corps, or, at the present moment, any of the ammunition proposed to be used there. Tents can be sent, if desired. The number of horses it is proposed to send for the two companies is 250. 4. The payment of the corps throughout will be made by the Government. 5. The Legislative Council have passed a resolution approving of the resolution of the House of Representatives. This resolution was passed by thirty-six votes to one against. The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, I have, &c, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Ranfurly.

(Telegram.) Received, 30th September, 1899. Referring to your telegram of the 28th September, Her Majesty's Government highly appreciate and are grateful for loyal and patriotic offer of Legislature of New Zealand, of which they will gladly avail themselves if occasion arises, in which case you will be advised as early as possible. Governor, Wellington. Chamberlain.

(Telegram.) London, 3rd October, 1899. Referring to your telegram of the 29th September, the Secretary of State for War and the Com-mander-in-Chief highly appreciates the signal exhibition of patriotic spirit of the people of New Zealand. Desire that mounted infantry offered by colony be organized in two companies of 100 men each, armed with -303 rifles or carbines, full equipped, and with their own horses, but rifles or carbines can be supplied by Imperial Government if necessary. Not more than one captain and three subalterns for each company. Officer not higher than major may command whole force. From the date of disembarkation at South Africa the force is to be treated as integral portion of the Imperial Forces. After that date Imperial Government will provide pay at Imperial rates, supplies and ammunition, and defray expenses of transport back to the colony, and pay wound pensions and compassionate allowance at Imperial rates. Secretary of State for War notes the generous offer from the Governor of New Zealand to furnish pay in addition to transport, but thinks that the above-mentioned conditions should be applied to all Colonial Forces. Troops to embark not later than 31st October, proceeding direct to Capetown for orders. Governor, Wellington, N.Z. Chamberlain.

My Lord, — Downing Street, sth October, 1899. In my telegram of the 3rd instant I communicated to you the acceptance of Her Majesty's Government, on the terms stated, of the offer which your Government have made of troops for service in South Africa. I have now the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, copy of a letter from the War Office, on which that telegram was based. I have, &c, J. Chamberlain, Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G,

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Enclosure. Sir,— War Office, London, S.W., 2nd October, 1899. In view of the many offers of troops for co-operation with Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa which have been made, either officially by Colonial Governments on behalf of their colonies, or unofficially by officers and gentlemen on behalf of bodies of men whom they know to be willing to serve, the Secretary of State for War will be obliged if the Secretary of State for the Colonies will express to both the Governments and the individuals concerned his gratification at the fact that such offers have been made. The Secretary of State for War and the Commander-in-Chief highly appreciate this signal exhibition of the patriotic spirit by which Her Majesty's colonial subjects are animated. Lord Landsdowne would also submit for transmission to the proper quarters such information as may assist in the organization of the troops thus offered into units, suitable to the military requirements of the situation. Such requirements and the conditions necessary to fulfil them can best be indicated in outline, leaving details for further consideration and arrangement. Organization and. Arms. .1. The troops should be organized into units of about 125 men. 2. The units may consist of either infantry, mounted infantry, or cavalry. In view of the numbers of these arms already available, infantry will be of most and cavalry of least service. 3. All should be armed with -303 rifles or carbines. 4. All troops must provide their own equipment, and mounted troops their own horses. 5. Not more than one captain and three subalterns should accompany each unit. Where more than one unit is despatched from a single colony, the whole force from that colony may be commanded by a major. But no officer of a higher rank should be despatched. Total numbers that can be employed : In considering this question Lord Landsdowne has been guided by the nature of the offers already made by the colonies, by a desire that each should be fairly represented, and by the limits which must necessarily be imposed on such a force if it is to be fully utilised under the staff at our disposal as an integral portion of Her Majesty's forces in South Africa. The Government of two colonies, namely, of Queensland and of New Zealand, have respectively 250 and 200 men. Lord Landsdowne accepts these offers with gratitude; and in accordance with the requirements of organization already outlined, suggests that they should be organized in such ca,se into companies of 125 and 100 men respectively. So far there have been no offers from the Governments of other colonies ; but Lord Landsdowne has been given to understand that 1,260 men are anxious to volunteer from New South Wales, about 1,000 from Victoria, about 300 from South Australia, 50 from Hongkong, and 300 from the Malay States. Lord Landsdowne does not see his way to accepting the offers from Hongkong and the Malay States, but from New South Wales and Victoria he would be glad to accept from each colony two units of 125 men each, and from South Australia one unit of 125 men. From Canada no definite offer has, as yet, reached Lord Landsdowne, but he understands that 1,200 men are anxious to volunteer. From Canada Lord Landsdowne would be glad to accept four units of 125 men each. If these suggestions are accepted the numbers would be : From Queensland, 250; from New Zealand, 200 ; from New South Wales, 250; from Victoria, 250; from South Australia, 125 ; from Canada, 500: total, 1,575. Conditions of pay, pension, transport, &c.: Whilst noting the generous offer by the Government of New Zealand to furnish pay in addition to transport, Lord Landsdowne is of opinion that the same conditions should be applied in the case of each colony, namely: Every colonial force to be landed at the port of debarkation in South Africa fully equipped at the cost of the Colonial Government or other body furnishing the force. The Imperial Government to provide from that date pay at Imperial rates, supplies, and ammunition, and to defray the cost of transport back to the colony when the services of the force are no longer required. Wound pensions and compassionate allowances to be paid by the Imperial Government at Imperial rates. Date of embarkation and provisional destination : All such forces should, if possible, embark not later than 31st October, and should proceed directly to Capetown for orders. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. R. H. Knox.

Government House, Wellington (Unaddressed and undated). Referring to my telegram of 11th October : Regimental transport should accompany units possessing it: Full equipment comprises following, which should accompany each unit if possible : All personal equipment, including clothing, arms, and accoutrements, camp equipment, two blankets, one waterproof sheet per man in case of mounted troops; saddlery, stable equipment, picketing gear. Supplies accompanying Imperial troops will be sufficient for supplying deficiencies in equipment of colonial forces. Earliest possible probable deficiencies would be very useful for War Office. Ranfurly.

t Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. The Governor begs to inform the Premier that he has received from His Excellency the Administrator, Brisbane, a cablegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to be sent round the Australasian Colonies, that the Colonial Forces may be held to be, from the date of embarkation, serving with part of the regular Forces, within the meaning of " The Army Act, 1881," section 177. Ranfurly.

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Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. The Governor, as Her Majesty's Representative, desires to express his unfeigned satisfaction at the unexampled display of loyalty and good-fellowship to the Mother-country witnessed by him on the occasion of the departure of the New Zealand Contingent to the Transvaal. He desires to express his keen appreciation of the untiring energy displayed by his Ministers, the Commander of the Forces, the Under-Secretary for Defence, and the officers of that department, and others, in overcoming the almost overwhelming difficulties of equipping and despatching the Contingent with such speed. He has had much pleasure in conveying these facts to Her Majesty. In conclusion, it is the Governor's heartfelt hope that the New Zealand Volunteer Contingent may prove a credit to the colony, and return safely to this country having added a glorious chapter to its history. Wellington, 21st October, 1899. Ranfurly.

Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st October, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the departure of the New Zealand Contingent for the Transvaal this day was made the occasion of a display of loyalty and good-fellowship to the Mother-country hitherto unsurpassed in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been estimated that from forty to sixty thousand people were present, every town in the colony nearly being in some way represented. After witnessing the brief ceremony which time alone allowed, I could not but feel assured that the entire mass present felt proud of being permitted to, in however small a way, show their devotion to the Empire ; and the entire colony, with possibly the exception of a handful of men, approves and rejoices in their offer being accepted. I have, &c, Ranfurly. The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd October, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the New Zealand Contingent for South Africa sailed in the s.s. " Waiwera " at 5 p.m. on Saturday, the 21st October, due date. The contingent consists of one major, two captains, six lieutenants, and 204 non-commissioned officers and men. The number of horses embarked was 249. The contingent themselves are a fine body of hardy young men, and the horses are also satisfactory. Regarding their equipment, the Commander of the Forces has reported to me that there are no deficiencies, but that the contractors have sent in some saddlery of inferior make and workmanship which it was impossible to replace. They may therefore require on arrival in South Africa some small supplement to their horse-equipment, such as bridles, head-collars, and girths. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Ranfurly.

Enclosure. Embarked in s.s. " Waiwera." —One major, two captains, six lieutenants, 204 non-commissioned officers and men, 249 horses, and two horses of Lieutenant Ward's. For the voyage to South Africa: Lieutenant Ward, R.A., Veterinary-Lieutenant Neale, and Dr. Burns. As far as I can ascertain, no deficiencies, but as the colonial saddlery is of inferior make and workmanship it will require to be supplemented, at least in the way of bridles, head-collars, and girths.

Government House, Wellington, New Zealand. (Received 26th October, 1899). The prompt despatch of New Zealand Contingent and enthusiasm of people of New Zealand have given Her Majesty's Government the greatest gratification, and has been hailed with enthusiasm by the people of England. Governor, Wellington.

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, 25th October, 1899. The Governor begs to inform the Right Hon. the Premier that he has received a cable from the Secretary of State for the Colonies that Mer Majesty the Queen desires to thank the people of her colonies in Australasia for their striking manifestation of loyalty and patriotism in their voluntary offer to send troops to co-operate with Her Majesty's Imperial forces in maintaining her position and the rights of British subjects in South Africa. She wishes the troojps God speed, and a safe return. Ranfurly.

(Telegram.) Christchurch, 26th November, 1899. The Governor is glad to forward the telegram (of which Captain Alexander has informed you direct). He desires to express his gratification at the approval of Her Majesty's Government in the conduct of this matter by his Ministers ; he personally desires to add his keen appreciation of their determination, despite all difficulties, to despatch the Contingent without any delay. Their departure to due date amid the enthusiasm and hearty good wishes of the enormous mass of people representing every part of this colony, proves the inseparable bond of love that unites us all with our revered Sovereign and with the interests of the Empire, and shows that the colony is second to none in Her Majesty's dominions in this respect, a fact the Governor has fully acknowledged, having felt this was undoubted during his visits to every portion of these Islands. The Premier, Wellington. Ranfurly.

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My Lokd, — Downing Street, 10th November, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 67), of the 29th September last, transmitting a resolution passed by the House of Representatives, respecting the offer of a contingent of New Zealand Mounted Rifles for service in South Africa, and reporting the arrangements made for the composition and equipment of the Force. The patriotic enthusiasm with which the Government and people of New Zealand have taken a share in the defence of Imperial interests in South Africa has been received with warm and sincere gratification by the Government and people of this country, and the promptitude of the arrangements made for the despatch of the contingent has been cordially recognised by the military authorities. I have, &c, J. Chamberlain. , Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

(Telegram.) 17th December, 1899. Armstrong Elswick Company offer Government of New Zealand gratuitously for use at end of war four rifle Hotchkiss machine-guns, with pack-saddle equipment complete of latest pattern, suitable for mounted infantry, accompanied by expert instructor. Can you supply forty horses, thirty men, and offer whole British Government. If it is your wish to I will sound War Office confidentially or otherwise. The Premier, Wellington. ' Agent-General.

Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly to Mr. Chamberlain. (Received Colonial Office 9.50 a.m. 20th December, 1899.) Government of New Zealand offers Imperial Government a second Contingent of a similar kind to last, in addition, four Hotchkiss machine-guns, horses and men complete. Contingent hopes to be able to sail 9th January.

Copy of Cable to Agent-General, dated 20th December, 1899. Through His Excellency the Governor, New Zealand has offered second Contingent for South Africa similar to one sent. Have also decided accept Hotchkiss guns on the conditions stated. The contingent men and horses will be shipped beginning second week January. Hope guns will be there on arrival. See War Office authorities as suggested and press acceptance offer. R. J. Seddon.

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. The Governor has received a cable from the Secretary of State for. the Colonies as follows : " Her Majesty's Government highly appreciate and gladly accept the generous offer of a Second Contingent together with machine guns." Government House, Wellington, 21st December, 1899. Ranfurly.

Mr. Chamberlain to Governor the Right Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly. (Telegram.) (Sent 8 p.m., 24th December, 1899.) Presume Contingent will be organized on. same basis as first, with good proportion of farriers, shoeing-smiths, and saddlers ; 500 rounds per man Mark 11. ammunition, personal and regimental equipment, including camp equipment, saddlery, stable and picketing gear, nosebags, grooming kits, horseshoes for three months, farriers' tools, and regimental and other transport. Her Majesty's Government gratefully accept offer of your Government received through Agent-General to find men and horses for battery of four Hotchkiss guns offered by Armstrong, and will forward guns and, if your Ministers so desire, competent officer to South Africa. Telegraph as soon as possible date of departure and probable date of arrival in South Africa of Contingent, with full details as to strength, armament, composition, quantity of ammunition, and any deficiencies of equipment. Nominal rolls should be sent to me by earliest opportunity. We cordially recognise great moral and material value of assistance and co-operation of Government and people of New Zealand.

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. The Governor has received the following cable from the Secretary of State for the Colonies :— " Presume contingent will be organized on same basis as first with good proportion of farriers, shoeing smiths, and saddlers, 500 rounds per man mark two ammunition, personal and regimental equipment, including camp equipment, saddlery, stable and picketing gear, nosebags, grooming kits, horseshoes for three months, farriers' tools, and regimental and other transport. " Her Majesty's Government gratefully accept offer of your Government received through Agent-General to find men and horses for battery of four Hotchkiss guns offered by Armstrong, and will forward guns, and if your Ministers so desire, competent officers to South Africa. . " Telegraph, as soon as possible, date of departure and probable date of arrival in South Africa of contingent, with full details as to strength, arrangement respecting composition of, quantity of ammunition, and any deficiency of equipment. Nominal rolls should be sent me by the earliest opportunity. " We cordially recognise great assistance and co-operation of Government and people of New Zealand." Ranfurly. Wellington, 25th December, 1899.

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The Hon. T. Thompson to the Right Hon. the Premier, Greymouth. (Urgent telegram.) 27th December, 1899. Following received from His Excellency: "Referring to telegram from Secretary of State for Colonies, which was telephoned to Premier, copy being in despatch bag of last night, ' Should be glad to know of any deficiencies, also if officers for Hotchkiss contingent are desired from England, also as regards amount '303 mark 11. ammunition you can send.—Ranfurly.' " To which I have replied as follows: "Composition of contingent —mounted infantry, two companies : One major, two captains, six lieutenants, two hundred and four non-commissioned officers and men, and two hundred and fifty horses. No regimental or other transport. Sail about the fifteenth January, and arrive sixteenth February at the Cape. Machine-gun detachment : Two officers, thirty non-commissioned officers and men, fifty horses. Sail as transport is available. Guns and ammunition to be supplied by Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth, and Company on arrival at the Cape. Will cable date of departure as soon as arranged. Instructors to be furnished by Armstrong and Company. No regimental or other transport. If, on the receipt of the original message, which is coming in the despatch bag, I find that fuller information is required, I will be happy to supply it later. I think, however, that the above information is all that is wanted. I will be glad to hear from Your Excellency if the information contained in this telegram is sufficiently complete to enable you to reply to cable, if not, I will be glad to supply any deficiency if possible. The Premier has left Nelson again, and will probably reach Greymouth some time this evening." T. Thompson.

(Telegram.) Wellington, 28th December, 1899. The full text of cable arrived this morning, and I am now in a position to give your Excellency fuller particulars with regard to the Contingent and machine-gun detachment, viz. : Mounted infantry, two companies; one major, two captains, six lieutenants, 204 non-commissioned officers and men, 250 horses, with farriers and saddlers to accompany troops; 500 rounds of ammunition per man can also be supplied if considered necessary. Personal and regimental equipment, camp equipment, stable and picket gear, nose-bags, grooming-kits, horseshoes, farriery tools, &c, supplied as in First Contingent. No regimental or other transport. Troops to sail about 15th January, and arrive at Cape 16th February. Machine-gun detachment: Two officers, thirty noncommissioned officers and men, and 50 horses, to sail as transport is available. Guns and full equipment to be supplied by Messrs. Armstrong and Co. on arrival at the Cape. Armstrong also furnish instructors, and although ammunition is not specifically mentioned, this, I take it, is necessarily a part of the full equipment of the guns, which should be accompanied by a certain number of rounds. The officers for the gun detachment will be sent from the colony. We are receiving numerous offers of horses to be proffered as a gift to the Imperial authorities, but are not yet in a position to say what the number will be. His Excellency the Governor, Waikanae, or forward.

Governor the Earl of Ranfurly to Mr. Chamberlain. (Telegram.) (Received Colonial Office, 6 a.m., 29th December, 1899.) Referring to my telegram of the. 28th December, following will go with Contingent: Farriers, saddlers, personal and regimental equipments, including camp equipment, saddlery, stable, and picketing gear, nosebags, grooming-kits, horseshoes, farriers' tools. Owing to want of information here Agent-General is requested to arrange details with War Office regarding Hotchkiss detachment. At what port shall Contingent disembark?

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. The Governor has received the following cable from the Secretary of State for the Colonies: " Colonial Force: Transport should call for orders at Capetown." Wellington, 4th January, 1900. Ranfurly.

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. The Governor has received the following cable from the Secretary of State for the Colonies: " Her Majesty's Government learn with much pleasure of the despatch of the Contingent, and of the loyalty and enthusiasm shown by New Zealand." The Press might be informed of this. Wellington, 21st January, 1900. Ranfurly.

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. The Governor begs to inform the Premier that he has received a reply to his cable of the 17th, informing the Imperial Government of the departure of the Third Contingent. Her Majesty's Government learn with very great satisfaction of the departure of the Third New Zealand Contingent, and of the loyalty and enthusiasm prevailing ; also of contemplated departure of a Fourth Contingent towards end of March. Government House, Wellington, 19th February, 1900. Ranfurly.

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Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Premier presents his compliments to His Excellency, and respectfully requests that he will send the following cable to the Secretary of State : " New Zealand Government willing to undertake purchase of horses and outfit for men, as desired in your cable. Five hundred Volunteers will be enlisted at the earliest possible date. My Ministers having enlisted on behalf of New Zealand, including Fourth Contingent, a thousand mounted infantry, are of the opinion that it would cause some feeling if the Volunteers who are now to be enlisted were to be paid at Imperial rates only, and wish to have the five hundred men sent the same as the others, the people of New Zealand making up the difference in pay. Further, the five hundred men will form part of the Imperial army at the Cape, and will be disposed of and placed in such positions as may be directed. Arrangements to be for one year, or during the continuance of the war in South Africa. Officers to be appointed in terms of your cable. < 19th February, 1900. R. J. Seddon.

(Urgent telegram.) Auckland, 9th March, 1900. Following received from Secretary of State, dated London, 17th February, begins: Referring to my telegram of the 9th February, Secretary of State for War gladly accepts for enlistment British regiments any number of men up to five hundred, between the ages of twenty and thirty-five, medically fit, good horsemen, shots. Pay and allowances at same rates as British soldiers. Engagement for one year, or duration of war. £5 gratuity on discharge. Enlistment for general service. They will be posted on arrival at South Africa to regular units mounted infantry as required. Horses, saddles, and bridles complete should be sent, and 10 per cent, spare horses; but no transport. Not more than one officer per hundred; none above captain. Will your Ministers make arrangments for enlistment, and of purchase of horses, clothing, equipment at cost of Her Majesty's Government.—Chamberlain.

Following received from Secretary of State, dated London, 2nd March, begins: With reference to your telegram of the 27th February, see my telegram of the 17th February. Generous offer. Gladly accept. Force should be enlisted for general service anywhere in South Africa. Probably they may be employed outside Natal and Cape Colony, in which case they will be payable from Imperial funds at the rate of ss. a day for privates; other ranks at proportionate rates. Your Ministers will doubtless expedite matter as much as possible.—Chamberlain. To the Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Ranfurly.

Extract from Cablegram received from Secretary of State. From His Excellency the Governor, New Zealand, date 28/2/1900. Owing to limited time and difficulty in obtaining locally, can Imperial Government supply the following to meet five hundred men in South Africa: Arms, accoutrements, saddles, waterproof sheets, and water-bottles ?

(Telegram.) Ist March, 1900. War Office sent Major Carthew Yorstoun, of Indian Staff Corps, with Hotchkiss battery, to Cape. General commanding communications now cables to know whether Captain Smith, in contravention of War Office order, is to take over guns and command battery, or whether Major Yorstoun is to take over New Zealand horses and men and take command of them. The telegram is somewhat unintelligible ; but I consider the correct answer would be that New Zealand places battery, officers, and men entirely under the orders of General commanding communications, to utilise them to the best advantage in Imperial interest. Reply urgent, as battery is probably waiting instructions. The Right Hon. the Premier, Huntly. Ranfurly.

Captain Smith, Hotchkiss Battery, New Zealand Second Contingent, Capetown. Major Yorstoun takes command officers and men. He will act under instructions officer commanding. You are to take whatever position he assigns. Ist March, 1900. Seddon, Premier.

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. Government House, Wellington, sth March, 1900. The Governor desires to point out that no direct reply has been sent by him to the Secretary of State for the Colonies as to when the five hundred men asked for by the Secretary of State will be sent. In view of the fact that expedition is asked for, he thinks as soon as arrangements are made he should cable them. The Governor further understands that the first ship will sail on 24th March, and that the Fourth Contingent are over four hundred men. If this is the case, he would, even at the cost of a day's delay, suggest the sending of both contingents on the same day, and making up the few men that may be needed to bring their strength, officers and men, to one thousand strong. The Governor offers no suggestion, but in reference to the Premier's remarks at to-day's gathering, he cannot help thinking the British Government would not be ill-pleased to know that in case of European complications New Zealand would be foremost, and that if complications threatened and we could be informed on the subject, special preparations would be made to avoid delay. Ranfurly.

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. (Telegram.) 10th March, 1900. Following from Secretary of State, begins : "Eeferring to my telegram of 17th February and 2nd March : War Office requests that if possible twenty officers may accompany the 500 men " ends. The two telegrams referred to are those sent you yesterday by Captain Alexander. The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Banpuely.

(Telegram.) 13th March, 1900. Re War Office request: The twenty officers will be selected and sent with the Fifth Contingent. His Excellency the Governor, Auckland. E. J. Sbddon.

(Telegram.) 14th March, 1900. Following from Secretary of State for Colonies : " Stores will be supplied in South Africa " ends. This refers to accoutrements, &c, for the Fifth Contingent. The Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Ranfurly.

(Telegram.) 6th April , , 1900. I have cabled Secretary of State as you request relative to destination Fifth Contingent and asked for an immediate reply. The Eight Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Ranfubly.

My Lord,— Downing Street, 6th April, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 12 of the 13th February last on the subject of the transport of the Third and Fourth New Zealand Contingents to South Africa, and to express the great gratification with which Her Majesty's Government have learnt of the patriotism and public spirit shown by the people of New Zealand in the matter. I have, &c, Governor the Right Hon. Earl of Ranfurly, K.C.M.G, &c. J. Chamberlain.

Lieut.-General Sir F. W. E. F. Forestier-Walker, X.C.8., C.M.G., Commanding Troops, Lines of Communication. South Africa, to His Excellency the Governor, New Zealand. Your Excellency,— Capetown, Ist April, 1900. I have the honour to inform you that a telegram was despatched to you this day, of which the following is a translation : " No. : " Eight men urgently required Hotchkiss Battery to replace sick ; please sanction from men coming ' Undaunted.' " W. Trotter, Colonel, C.5.0., For Lieut.-General, Commanding Troops, Lines of Communication, South Africa.

(Telegram.) Rotorua, 22nd April, 1900. Your Excellency is advised to inform General in Command, Capetown, that eight men per " Undaunted " approved for Hotchkiss Battery to replace the sick. His Excellency the Governor, Auckland. R. J. Seddon.

(Telegram.) Rotorua, 22nd April, 1900. I have just received following cable, begins: "Governor, Auckland, 1541. Eight men urgently required Hotchkiss Battery, to replace sick. Please sanction from men coming ' Undaunted.' General of Communications, Capetown, 21st," ends. Please inform me as to reply. The Right Hon. the Premier, Rotorua. Ranfubly.

Rotorua, 23rd April, 1900. Your telegrams about sixty men for First Contingent and eight men for Hotchkiss Battery have been duly cabled to the Cape, also one to the American Consul at Pretoria. I have cabled India as desired. Ranfurly. The Right Hon. the Premier, Rotorua.

My Loed,— Downing Street, 30th April, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 16, of the Ist ultimo on the subject of the departure of the Third New Zealand Contingent. 2. I have read with much pleasure your report of the enthusiasm displayed by the people of New Zealand on this occasion, and I have no doubt that the remounts despatched on the " Undaunted" will be most acceptable to the military authorities in South Africa. J. Chambeelain. [D. 1900/3042.]

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