3

H.—6k

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. The Governor, as Her Majesty's Representative, desires to express his unfeigned satisfaction at the unexampled display of loyalty and good-fellowship to the Mother-country witnessed by him on the occasion of the departure of the New Zealand Contingent to the Transvaal. He desires to express his keen appreciation of the untiring energy displayed by his Ministers, the Commander of the Forces, the Under-Secretary for Defence, and the officers of that department, and others, in overcoming the almost overwhelming difficulties of equipping and despatching the Contingent with such speed. He has had much pleasure in conveying these facts to Her Majesty. In conclusion, it is the Governor's heartfelt hope that the New Zealand Volunteer Contingent may prove a credit to the colony, and return safely to this country having added a glorious chapter to its history. Wellington, 21st October, 1899. Ranfurly.

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 good-fellowship 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, Ranfurly. The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

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. Regarding 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, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Ranfurly.

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., Veterinary-Lieutenant Neale, 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.

Government House, Wellington, New Zealand. (Received 26th October, 1899). The prompt despatch of New Zealand Contingent and enthusiasm of people of New Zealand have given Her Majesty's Government the greatest gratification, and has been hailed with enthusiasm by the people of England. Governor, Wellington.

Memorandum for the Right Hon. the Premier. Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, 25th October, 1899. The Governor begs to inform the Right Hon. the Premier that he has received a cable from the Secretary of State for the Colonies that Mer Majesty the Queen desires to thank the people of her colonies in Australasia for their striking manifestation of loyalty and patriotism in their voluntary offer to send troops to co-operate with Her Majesty's Imperial forces in maintaining her position and the rights of British subjects in South Africa. She wishes the troojps God speed, and a safe return. Ranfurly.

(Telegram.) Christchurch, 26th November, 1899. The Governor is glad to forward the telegram (of which Captain Alexander has informed you direct). He desires to express his gratification at the approval of Her Majesty's Government in the conduct of this matter by his Ministers ; he personally desires to add his keen appreciation of their determination, despite all difficulties, to despatch the Contingent without any delay. Their departure to due date amid the enthusiasm and hearty good wishes of the enormous mass of people representing every part of this colony, proves the inseparable bond of love that unites us all with our revered Sovereign and with the interests of the Empire, and shows that the colony is second to none in Her Majesty's dominions in this respect, a fact the Governor has fully acknowledged, having felt this was undoubted during his visits to every portion of these Islands. The Premier, Wellington. Ranfurly.