9

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2. The same evening my Premier had an interview with me, asking me to cable the resolution and offer of services of two companies of Mounted Bifles. Each company is to consist of one hundred rank-and-file and at least four officers. 3. The New Zealand Government will provide outfit, transport to African port, rations, and horse-feed en route; but on landing, transport, rations, and ammunition to be provided by the Imperial authorities. This colony has no transport corps, or, at the present moment, any of the ammunition proposed to be used there. Tents can be sent, if desired. The number of horses it is proposed to send for the two companies is 250. 4. The payment of the corps throughout will be made by the Government. 5. The Legislative Council have passed a resolution approving of the resolution of the House of Bepresentatives. This resolution was passed by thirtysix votes to one against. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 21. (No. 69.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 21st October, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the departure of the New Zealand Contingent for the Transvaal this day was made the occasion of a display of loyalty and goodfellowship to the Mother-country hitherto unsurpassed in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been estimated that from forty to sixty thousand people were present, every town in the colony nearly being in some way represented. After witnessing the brief ceremony which time alone allowed, I could not but feel assured that the entire mass present felt proud of being permitted to, in however small a way, show their devotion to the Empire ; and the entire colony, with possibly the exception of a handful of men, approves and rejoices in their offer being accepted. I have, &c, The Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

No. 22. (No. 70.) Sir, — Government House, Wellington, 23rd October, 1899. I have the honour to inform you that the New Zealand Contingent for South Africa sailed in the s.s. "Waiwera" at 5 p.m. on Saturday, the 21st October, due date. The contingent consists of one major, two captains, six lieutenants, and 204 non-commissioned officers and men. The number of horses embarked, was 249. The contingent themselves are a fine body of hardy young men, and the horses are also satisfactory. Begarding their equipment, the Commander of the Forces has reported to me that there are no deficiencies, but that the contractors have sent in some saddlery of inferior make and workmanship which it was impossible to replace. They may therefore require on arrival in South Africa some small supplement to their horse-equipment, such as bridles, head-collars, and girths. I have, &c, The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, BANFUBLY. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. Embarked in s.s. " Waiwera."—One major, two captains, six lieutenants, 204 non-commissioned officers and men, 249 horses, and two horses of Lieutenant Ward's. For the voyage to South Africa : Lieutenant Ward, R.A., Lieutenant Neile, and Dr. Burns. As far as I can ascertain, no deficiencies, but as the colonial saddlery is of inferior make and workmanship it will require to be supplemented, at least in the way of bridles, head-collars, and girths. 2—A. 1.