ASSISTING NEW ZEALAND WITH INDIAN" TROOPS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 107, 26 February 1870, Page 6

ASSISTING NEW ZEALAND WITH INDIAN" TROOPS.

In consequence of the diminution determined upon of the Indian forces, | Sir Bartle Frere, in a despatch to the Indian Office, of Bth November, proposes the following conditions upon I which New Zealand might be permitted to obtain the aid of the officers and men whose services are so dispensed with in India: — 1. The Indian Grovei'nment to engage to give a free passage to New Zealand ; Indian pay and allowances at the rates drawn the last month by each man, during the voyage, and for three months after landing in New Zealand , service under these engagements to count as service in India for pension, &c, to all entitled to it by their existing engagement with the British or Indian Governments. 2. The British G-overnment should engage to make the agreements for service in New Zealand in conjunction with the Indian and New Zealand Governments ; to pay officers and men received from the Indian Government from the expiration of three months after landing, debiting the amount as a loan to New Zealand ; to appoint in conjunction with the New Zealand Government a military dictator, with full military and civil authority under commission from the Crown to settle the Northern Island. 3. The New Zealand Government should engage to repay the loan advanced by the British Government, and to respect the engagements made with officers and men ; to offer free or at reduced rates grants of land in proportions varying according to rank, to all officers and men, natives of India or China, as well as Europeans, who after completing not less than two years' service under these engagements, may take their discharge from Her Majesty's service, and agree to settle in New Zealand.