H.—27b

1900. NEW ZEALAND.

WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA: CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE COLONIES RELATING TO THE DESPATCH OF COLONIAL MILITARY CONTINGENTS TO SOUTH AFRICA.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

I—H. 27b.

3d r From or to whom. Colony. Date. Subject. Governor Lord Lamington Queensland Queensland 1899. (Received July 11) Telegram July 11 Telegram Offers the services of 250 mounted infantry, with ma-chine-guns, in the event of hostilities against the Transvaal. Expresses appreciation of the offer oontained in No. 1, which Her Majesty's Government will gladly avail themselves of should the occasion arise. States that offers have been received from Volunteers for service in South Africa. To Governor Lord Lamington Governor Lord Brassey .. Victoria (Received July 12) Telegram (Received July 17) Telegram July 18 ' Telegram High Commissioner Sir C. B. H. Mitchell Federated Malay States Reports offer by Federated Malay States of 300 Malay States Guides, but states he is compelled to demur to the offer. Requests him to convey the thanks and appreciation of Her Majesty's Government for the offer made in No. 4, which, however, they do not expect to be in a position to avail themselves of. Reports that the Legislative Council unanimously offer the services of 300 Hausas. To High Commissioner Sir C. B. H. Mitchell Federated Malay States 5a Governor Sir William MaoGregor Governor Earl Beauchamp Lagos New South Wales (Received July 18) Telegram (Received July 21) Telegram States that he understands from his Premier that offers to volunteer for service in South Africa have been received from 1,860 offioers, non-commissioned officers, and men. States that Her Majesty's Government appreciate the offer contained in No. 5a, but do not expect to be able to avail thomselves of it on the present occasion. States that proposal contained in No. 6 will be placed on record at tbe War Office, and full consideration given to the offer should necessity arise for reinforcing the troops. Requests him to inform those who have offered to serve in South Africa that their offer has been placed on record at the War Office, and that it will receive full consideration should necessity arise to reinforco the troops. Reports that public opinion in Victoria supports the policy of Her Majesty's Government, and that numerous offers of service have been received from the oolonial forces. Report? that two officers and about fifty men of the Hongkong Volunteers, with four Maxims, offer their services, and that General Officer Commanding is satisfied that they are in a position to start at once. Asks for early information whether the off.T of a colonial contingent is likely to be accepted, and inquires as to the arrangements for transport. Inquires, iu the event of a united Australian force being formed, what arm or arms it shoald consist of. 6a To Governor Sir William MaoGregor Lagos July 21 Telegram To Governor Earl Beauchamp New South Wales July 26 Telegram To Governor Lord Brassey Victoria July 27 Telegram Governor Lord Brassey .. Victoria (Received August 1) Telegram 10 Governor Sir H. A. Blake Hongkong.. (Received Sept. 21) Telegram 11 Governor Lord Lamington Queensland (Received Sept. 22) Telegram (Received Sept. 27) Telegram Governor Lord Brassey .. Viotoria 12