TENTH CONTINGENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 389, 14 April 1902, Page 2

TENTH CONTINGENT.

FAREWELL LUNCHEON. WAR OFFICE MUDDLERS. PREMIER MAY VISIT PRETORIA, [By Telegraph—Press Association]. Wellington, last night.

A luncheon to the North Island section of the Tenth Contingent touk place yesterday afternoon, though the men do not leave until Monday. The Mayor presided, and among those present were the Premier, several of his colleagues, and many prominent citizens. The Mayor and Captain Turner (who has been in charge of ttie camp) both referred to the contingent as a fine body of men, the latter stating that the conduct in camp was exemplary. He only regretted that he was not going with them. He had been offered command, but unfortunately ho couid not gee away. The Premier, responding for the Tqnth, delivered another patriotic speech. Referring to the men he said that they were as fine a lot as had gone before, but he expressed the opinion that many were within twenty years of age. The Imperial Authorities had stated that the New Zealanders had earned respect for their conduct and bravery wherever they were sent, and he felt that the Tenth would be no exception. The Premier announced that Lord Ranfurly had informed him of the receipt of a cable irons the Secretary of the War Department to the effect that no further commissions were to be granted direct to colonials except to those serving at present in South Africa, and those only at the discretion of the commanding officer.

Continuing, Mr Soddon said that be wanted to know moro about this matter, and why, because our sons desired to continue fighting rather than stop, and understood there were examinations for commissions, were the commissions to be denied. He did not blame the Secretary of State for War, but there was someone in the department who wanted to be better acquainted with colonial feeling on this question. Speaking with much warmth Mr Seddon declared that this would be another matter for discussion at the Imperial Conference. The whole system of the British Army and Navy wanted remodelling, and better facilities given to the colonials for entering the army than at present existed. The troopship on leaving here calls first at Sydney. It is quite possible that the Premier, if time permits, will make the journey from the Gape to Pretoria. Lieut.-Colonel Collins, of Wellington, was offered command of the Tenth, but owing to pressure of offioial duties, was obliged to decline. Lieut.-Colonel Messenger, of Wellington, goes in command on the voyage, but on arrival in South Africa hands over command to Alajor Andrews.