H.— ()!

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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