H.—27b

14

No. 66. —Canada. Mr. Chamberlain to Governor-General the Earl of Minto. (Telegram sent 24th October, 1899.) [Answered by No. 67.] Her Majesty the Queen desires to thank the people of her Dominion of Canada 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 troops God-speed and a safe return.

No. 67. —Canada. Governor-General the Earl of Minto to Mr. Chamberlain. (Telegram received 11.25 p.m., 25th October, 1899.) The people of Canada received with sincere gratification message (No. 66) from Her Majesty the Queen, conveying her thanks for Canada's contribution to the British troops now en route for South Africa. The good wishes expressed by their Sovereign for her Canadian troops will inspire them with deep sentiments of loyalty and patriotism, and with a determination to sustain the reputation that Canadian Volunteers have earned in the past history of this part of the Empire.

No. 68.—Canada. Mr. Chamberlain to Governor-General the Earl of Minto. (Telegram sent 1.20 p.m., 26th October, 1899.) Referring to your telegram, 24tl> October (No. 64), Secretary of State for War grateful for generous offer of Canadian Government, but need not avail himself of it, as arrangements for Army Post Office Corps completed.

• No. 69.—Tasmania. Acting-Governor Dodds to Mr. Chamberlain. . (Telegram received 9.25 a.m., 27th October, 1899.) [Answered by No. 70.] Contingent left colony for Melbourne yesterday to join " Medic " ; greatest enthusiasm prevailed

No. 70. —Tasmania. • Mr. Chamberlain to Acting-Governor Dodds. (Telegram sent 1.40 p.m., 27th October, 1899.) Referring to your telegram of 27th October (No. 69), Her Majesty's Government learn with satisfaction enthusiasm displayed by people of Tasmania in connection with embarkation of troops.

No. 71.—New South Wales. Mr. Chamberlain to Governor Earl Beauchamp. (Telegram sent 6.13 p.m., 27th October, 1899.) Referring to your telegram of 24th October (No. 62), Her Majesty's Government will arrange for lighterage.

No. 72.—Victoria. Governor Lord Brassey to Mr. Chamberlain. (Telegram received 2.55 p.m., 28th October, 1899.) [Answered by No. 72a.] Victorian and Tasmanian contingents for South Africa sailed to-day from Melbourne per " Medic." Troops prior to embarking marched through city, amidst most enthusiastic demonstrations from immense crowd which lined streets ; most patriotic and loyal sentiments everywhere expressed. "Medic" calls Adelaide and Albany for South Australian and Western Australian contingents. Expect arrive Capetown 28th November.

No. 72a. —Victoria Mr. Chamberlain to Governor Lord Brassey. (Telegram sent 6.32 p.m., 28th October, 1899.) Referring to your telegram of 28th October (No. 72), Her Majesty's Government much pleased at enthusiastic public demonstration at embarkation of troops for South Africa.

No. 73.—New South Wales. Governor Earl Beauchamp to Mr. Chamberlain. (Extract from telegram received 9.40 a.m., 29th October, 1899.) [Answered by No. 77.] Convey to Her Majesty the Queen following message on the occasion of. despatch of first portion of New South Wales Contingent: "Am desired by Ministers and representative gathering of citizens express humble duty Her Majesty the Queen, and to assure Her Majesty the Queen of grateful appreciation of people of this colony of gracious expressions interest in contingent just leaving our shores. People of this colony will be ready always to share duties and responsibilities of Her Majesty's Empire."