A.—2.

D.A.A.G. (Emb.) :— In reply to the complaint enclosed I beg to make the following remarks :— Alleged Overcrowding. 2. The accommodation of the "Harlech Castle," as fixed by Admiralty officials, is 28 first class and 708 third class. The number embarked on this occasion were : First class, 23 ; third class, 622 ; and second class (for whom special temporary accommodation was rigged up), 5. Inferior Accommodation. 3. The " Harlech Castle " is one of the Union Castle Line, and before being taken as a transport was employed on the regular intermediate service of her company. I may safely say that the Union Castle Company have a reputation second to none for general comfort and accommodation, and, although the " Harlech Castle " is neither new nor speedy, the fact that she has been until lately employed on regular trips by her company speaks for itself. She certainly compares very favourably with such ships as the "Southern Cross," " Warrigal," "Kent," and "Cornwall," which have been from time to time taken up by the Australian authorities for bringing troops to South Africa. Uncleanly Furnishing. 4. lam not at all clear as to what is meant by the term "uncleanly furnishing." I know for a fact, that shortly before the "Harlech Castle" left on this trip, my predecessor, Captain Sir Edward Chichester, went over the ship, and complimented the captain and officers on the state of cleanliness of the ship. I understand from officers of my staff who were present at the time that the decks were spotlessly clean, aud the ship internally " as clean as a new pin." 5. I cannot speak as to the reasons for the delay of the ship whilst in Australian waters, but doubtless the captain in charge, Sydney, would be able 'to explain the causes, observing that the New Zealand contingent proceeding in the " Harlech Castle" only numbered one officer and ninety men. St. L. Luscombe, Captain, 8.N., sth March, 1901. and Principal Transport Officer, South Africa.

No. 41. (No. 53.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 7th May, 1901. I have the honour to transmit to you, for the information of your Ministers, the papers noted in the subjoined schedule. I have, &c, J. CHAMBERLAIN. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosures. Youe Excellency,— War Office, Pall Mall, London, S.W., 25th April, 1901. I have the honour to submit a brief statement of the services of Lieutenant B. J. S. Seddon, Bough Eiders, New Zealand Contingent, who was employed as aide-de-camp on my personal staff in South Africa, for information and record. I have, &c, Bobeets, Field Marshal, His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. Commander-in-Chief. Lieutenant B. J. S. Seddon, Bough Eiders, New Zealand Contingent, served as colonial aide-de-camp to Field-Marshal Lord Boberts, from August to September, 1900, and was present at the Battle of Belfast. W. E. Cowan, Colonel, Late Military Secretary, South Africa. War Office, London, S.W., 25th April, 1901.

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Date. From To Subject. 15th April, 1901 ... War Office ... Colonial Office i Services of Lieutenant E. J. S. Seddon, Eough Eiders, New Zealand Contingent, in the South African war, as one of the aides-de-camp to Earl Eoberts.