3

H.—6o

Deab Sib,— 7th May, 1900. Eeferring to my letters to you of the 26th February and the 13th March, and to your reply of the 16th March, I am directed by the Agent-General to inquire whether the general committee of the Australasian Bushmen's Fund has come to any decision in the matter. Yours, &c, E. C. Hitchings, Esq. Waltee Kennaway.

Deae Sib,— 31st July, 1900. In further reply to your letter of the 13th March last, as to the participation of the colony of New Zealand in the above fund, I am directed to say that the committee at their recent meeting carefully examined the list of subscriptions and could not find anything to justify a contention that any part of the money thus subscribed was given on a supposition that New Zealand would participate in the distribution —that colony having established a separate fund of its own. The committee, however, heartily recognise the splendid work done by New Zealand in raising and equipping bushmen for service in South Africa, and in recognition of this fact, and not of any claim on the fund, have had pleasure in voting a sum of £200 towards the expenses of the New Zealand Contingent, and they hope that their action in this matter will prove satisfactory to the Agent-General. A cheque for £200 is accordingly enclosed, the receipt of which be so good as to acknowledge. 1 am, &c, Walter Kennaway, Esq., C.M.G. E. C. Hitchings.

Deae Sic, — Ist August, 1900. I am directed by the Agent-General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, stating that the committee, in distributing the fund which has been raised in aid of the Australasian Bushmen Contingent for service in South Africa, have voted the sum of £200 as a contribution towards the expenses of the New Zealand contingent, and enclosing a cheque for that amount (£200), and, in reference thereto, to thank you for the same. I enclose you herewith a formal receipt. I am, &c, E. C. Hitchings, Esq. Walteb Kennaway.

THE AUSTRALASIAN BUSHMEN CONTINGENT FOR SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA. Office, 17, Tokenhouse Yard, London, E.C. Pbovisionalj Committee (with power to add to their number). The Earl of Carrington, the Earl of Glasgow, the Earl of Hopetoun, the Earl of Jersey, the Earl of Kintore, Visoount Hampden, Lord Battersea, Lord Locb, Sir T. F. Buxton, General Sir H. Norman, the Right Hon. Sir •Tames Ferguson, L. Aatons, Sir J. Bramston, G. Beetham, H. Brooks, L. J. Browne, G. W. Bruce, H. Bull, A. Campbell, W. E. Carbery, N. Cork, A. A. Danger, F. H. Danger, W. K. D'Arcy, Sir E. S. Dawes, Sir W. Dcs Vceax, J. Dowling, F. Dutton, P. M. Dutton, W. G. Elder, D. Finlayson, G. Flower-Stewart, A. C. Garriok, D. George, R. J. Gray, W. C. Hamilton, G. W. Hawkes, Esq., W. Hemmant, Sir A. Hodgson, P. A. Horn, S. Hoffnung, W. A. Horn, R. W. Jeans, H. Joslin, B. Kelly, J. C. Lanyon, B. W. Levy, Hon. H. S. Littleton, W. Lund, W. A. McArthur, S. Macleay, Sir E. M. Nelson, J. S. O'Halloran, J. Pafcerson, G. Salting, W. S. Salting, J. Sanderson, C. Sidey, G. Slade, Hon. Sir E. W. Stafford, Hon. S. A. Stephen, H. L. Taylor, G. Wills, H. C. A. Young. Deae Sic,— At a meeting of Australasians held at the Bank of New South Wales on the 15th January it was unanimously resolved : (1.) To support the Australasian Governments in their efforts to recruit such a corps. (2.) To establish a fund in England to which Australasians here should be invited to contribute. The splendid services of the colonial contingents already in South Africa have shown the usefulness of such a corps. Good horsemen, accustomed to almost live in the saddle, expert rifleshots, possessed of great powers of endurance and self-reliance, able to traverse difficult country and recognise localities, with sight trained for long distances, they have all the qualifications needed for the work in which they would be engaged. In the colonies the movement has been taken up most enthusiastically, and it is believed that all Australasians in this country, and others interested in Australasia, will welcome an opportunity of showing their sympathy with and giving their support to it. Subscribers may, if they think fit, allocate their subscriptions to the contingents which are being raised in any particular colony. In the absence of such special allocation, the Committee will apply the fund in such manner as they think most conducive to the rapid equipment and .despatch of men to the seat of war. Subscriptions amounting to over £13,000 have been received, and a sum of £10,000 on account has been remitted to the colonies for distribution pro ratd to the number of bushmen forwarded from each. Contributions may be forwarded to either of the honorary treasurers —B. W. Levy, Esq., 17, Tokenhouse Yard, E.C.; David George, Esq., Bank of New South Wales, Old Bond Street; or will be received by any of the Australasian banks in London, the Boyal Colonial Institute, Northumberland Avenue, W.C., or Yours faithfully, E. C. Hitchings, Hon. Secretary.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £2 Bs.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9oo.

Price 3d.]