THE N.Z. CONTINGENT

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1, 2 January 1900, Page 4

THE N.Z. CONTINGENT

ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY THE Hfc . HOME GOVERNMENT. Wellington, December 80. Although the regulations are relaxed m the respects already mentioned m an Association telegram, the Defence Department still rigidly insists on height and ohest measurement. The former has been found the chief stumbling block with many men. The bulk of recruits m camp at present come from Wellington and districts up to Rangitikei. Present appearances point to the belief there will not be enough southerners to form a company purely from that Island. The Government have received a letter from the Hon. Mr Chamberlain, dated November 10, acknowledging the receipt of Lord Ranfurly's despatch transmitting the Parliament's resolution re the despatch and composition of the contingent. % The Seoretaiy for the Colonies says |the patriotic enthusiasm with which the Government and people of New Zealand have taken their share m the defence of Imperial interests m South Africa is received with warm and sincere gratitude by the Government and people of the country, and the promptitude of the am ngements made for the despatch of the contingent is cordially recognised by the military authorities. December 31. There are now about 130 men m camp, which was visited to-day by large numbers of people. Horses and saddlery are coming to hand freely, and mounts are being allocated as fast as possible. A further batch of recruits arrived to day, and two of them who had already been passed by a doctor were rejected under a ftifi medical examination applied m camp There are any number of ansir us and eligible candidates who have , seen no volunteer service awaiting a chance to get enrolled, but them.- . tention to give suitable volunteers "^ preference will be strictly adhered to until their ranks aie exhausted. Maxim guns will be taken into camp during the week, and from this on the work of training will be taken m hand seriously January 1. This morning the contingent, tinder Colonel Penton, assisted bj> Colonel Sommerville, were drilled at Miramar, and acquitted themselves satisfactorily. One or two, however, were not up to the standard, and will be rejected. Colonel Penton wishes it to bn known that no horses over 15-2 can be accepted.