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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.