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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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