H.—6i

4

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.