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Sib,— 20th December, 1899. Believing that the sooner the war in South Africa is brought to a close the greater the advantage to the Empire, I am in favour of this colony sending the fullest possible assistance, and I therefore approve the proposal to send the further contingent. With reference to the offer of the Armstrong-Elswick Company: If the battery is to be attached to our corps of mounted infantry, then I approve of the Armstrong Company's offer being accepted. Yours, &c, Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, P.C., &c. C. J. Johnston.

Et. Hon. Dr. Seddon, Wellington. Oamaru, 20th December, 1899. Though regret bitter necessity, I answer Yes to both propositions. Gbo. Jones.

New Plymouth, 20th December, 1899. Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington. I cordially approve of your proposal to send a second contingent to the assistance of the Mother-country in South Africa. I also approve of the offer of forty horses and thirty men as asked for by Agent-General. I duly appreciate the gift of the Elswick Company to New Zealand. I feel confident the people of the colony will back you up in this small contribution of help given freely by a loyal people to the Mother-country in her hour of need. The honour of the Empire is at stake, and we must be equal to the ocoasion ; be strong on this great emergency. Thos. Kelly.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 22nd December, 1899. I am of opinion second contingent should be sent as early as possible, and that offer mentioned in your memorandum be accepted. Eegret unable to reply sooner, owing to absence from home. Wμ. Kelly.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. . Picton, 20th December, 1899. Yes, certainly, to both questions. Couetenay Kenny.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Premier, Wellington, Greymouth, 20th December, 1899. I fully indorse Government's opinion that in the interests of the Empire New Zealand should send a second contingent similar to the first ; also, that the Government should offer to the British Government forty horses and thirty men (or a greater number). Very kind of the Armstrong-Elswick Company to offer New Zealand four rifle Hotchkiss machine-guns at the end of the war. James Keee.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Dunedin, 19th December, 1899. Heahtily approve Government sending second contingent and accepting other offer. Geokge McLean.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Oamaru, 20th December, 1899. In view of the widespread disaffection at the Cape and the strenuous efforts British Government and colonies are making to furnish additional forces, there can be no doubt every man we can send will be acceptable, I therefore quite agree with you New Zealand should send a second contingent similar to the first. It appears from the reports, especially that of the 19th instant, our boys have already proved very useful. Armstrong-Elswick Company's offer is at end of war ; but if available now, and if required, number of men and horses properly trained can be furnished in time to be of service. If Imperial Government requires them by all means offer them. H. J. MILLEE.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Little Eiver, 20th December, 1899. Telegbam received. I entirely approve of a second contingent being sent. ■ I am further of opinion that the second contingent should consist of at least five hundred men, and that the cost of the horses and all expense should be borne by the New Zealand Government; that they should be despatched immediately regardless of cost. The offer made by the Armstrong-Elswick Company should be accepted. The Agent-General's question should be answered in the affirmative, and I think the supply asked for is much below what we are able to and should contribute. W. MONTGOMEEY.

Et. Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Auckland, 21st December, 1899. Sobey for delay in answering your memorandum. Been away. I say Yes to both questions, and am ready to vote any loan required and for more men. G. B. Moreis.

Hon. the Premier, Wellington. Napier, 20th December, 1899. I COEDIALLY concur with the opinion of the Government on both questions stated in your memorandum. J. D. Osmond, M.L.C.

Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Christchureh, 20th December, 1899. Most certainly consider a second contingent should be sent, and that the Armstrong-Elswick offer should be accepted with the conditions suggested in your memorandum. J. T. Peacock.