A.—7.

1885. NEW ZEALAND,

OFFERS OF MILITARY ASSISTANCE BY THE COLONIES TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Acting Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. I foewaed you copy of telegram which I have this day sent to our Agent-General. " This Government offers to Her Majesty's Government two batteries of our permanent field artillery, with ten sixteen-pound guns properly horsed, also an effective disciplined battalion of infantry, five hundred strong. The artillery will be under command of Colonel Boberts, 8.A., and whole force under command of Colonel Bichardson, Commandant. Can undertake to land force at Suakim within thirty days from embarkation. Beply at once." William Bede Dalley. 12th February, 1885.

No. 2. The Peemiee, New Zealand, to the Acting Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney. Hbaetily congratulate you on your patriotic offer of assistance, which reflects credit on all the Australasian Colonies. Bobeet Stout. 13th February, 1885. ra ____ m ____ OTra

No. 3. The Acting Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Have just had following telegram in answer to offer of military assistance to England: "Have shown your message to Lords Derby and Hartington. Your offer greatly appreciated, and will be at once considered. Operations in the Soudan expected will have to be deferred, as getting late in season. Sent your offer to Press." 13th February, 1885. "William B. Dalley.

No. 4. The Acting Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Have just received the following cable from our Agent-General: " Her Majesty's Government accepts with much satisfaction offer of your Government, upon the understanding that force must be placed absolutely under orders of General Commanding as to duties upon which it will be employed. Force of artillery is greater than required. Only one battery accepted. Transport should call at Aden for orders. lam to inform you, in strict confidence, that plans of General not fully formed, but may probably involve placing troops in summer quarters, after short campaign, from Suakim. After this knowledge, your Government prefer immediate despatch of contingent, War Office does not desire to delay it. Press comment very favourably upon your splendid offer." 16th February, 1885. W. B. Dalley.

No. 5. The Acting Chief Seceetaey, Adelaide, to the Peemiee, New Zealand. Have instructed Agent-General to offer Imperial Government to supply two hundred and fifty infantry, with officers, for service in the Soudan. Would suggest that colonies should unite to form an Australian contingent, as this would be most effective, and desire to add that Major-General Downes would be happy to place his service as commander at the disposal of the colonies. 16th February, 1885. S. Playfokd. I—A. 7.