TENTH CONTINGENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 365, 15 March 1902, Page 2

TENTH CONTINGENT.

OPINION OF DIEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. (Special to Times.)

WELLINGTON, last night. With regard to the proposal to send a Tenth Contingent, the Premier has asked for an expression of opinion from members of Parliament, with the following result Messrs Wilford, Field, and Atkinson of Wellington approve of a tenth contingent being seni. Mr J. Allen :

“ I see no necessity.”

Hon. George Jones ; Australasia amt Canada should immediately despatch 12,000 to 15,000 men.

Mr Arnold : “ a [(»,■ caxetui ouiiouu.*-*.;-!. -f+h-tiip workers ol iSew Zealand I am pleased to say that I voice their unanimous opinion that a Tenth Contingent should he despatched immediately.” Hon. J. McLean : The Defence Minister should stay his hand till he sees whether further help is really needed.” F. Lawry : The proposal has my support.” Messrs J. Bollard and J. Palmer : “ Also our support.” Mr Fraser, Napier : “It has my hearty approval, even unto still another contingent.” He is asking that the North Island battalion he mobilised at Napier. Mr Collins : “We ought to do all in our power to bring the war to a conclusion. If a Tenth Contingent will help, we should certainly send it. Further help from the colony just now should he an effective reply to those who see cause for delight in a temporary reverse.” Mr G. W. Russell :

“ Lord Methuen’s reverse was an accident of war, and does not 'indicate a necessity for New Zealand offering a further contingent at present. If the Mother Country had asked for further assistance the case would be different, and before despatching more men we should ascertain whether it is really necessary and desired by the Imperial authorities.” Mr G. J. Smith :

“ I personally support offering another contingent on the same terms as the Ninth, and would l:ke to see joint action taken by Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to put a further strong force of colonial troops in the field. WITI-lEFORD’S CHEEK. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND. last night. Re the Tenth Contingent, Mr J. H. Witheford, M.H.R., protests against sending any more contingents from New Zealand, but says he might be induced to agree to one New Zealander going over as Commander-in-Chief. MR NAPIER’S OPINION. Mr Napier, M.H.R., cordially agrees with the proposal, believing the colonial troops are most -fitted to terminate the war.

A QUESTION OF LOYALTY

Re Tenth Contingent, Mr S. E. Slirimpski, M.L.C., said he would be wanting in loyalty if he withheld his consent.

TENTH CONTINGENT DECIDED UPON-

A THOUSAND MEN TO BE SENT IN THREE WEEKS. '

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, last night. Government has decided to send a Tenth Contingent to the front. A thousand men are leaving in three weeks.