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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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