H.—27b

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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 mounted rifles. 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 this Government. 5.. The Legislative Council have passed a resolution approving of the resolution of the House of Representatives. This resolution was passed by thirty-six votes for to one against. I have, &c, Ranfurly.

Enclosure in No. 82. Address from the House of Representatives to His Excellency the Right Honourable Uchter John Mark, Earl of Ranfurly, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it please Your Excellency,— We, Her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the House of Representatives in Parliament assembled, desire respectfully to inform your Excellency that we have this day passed the following resolution: — Besolved, " That a respectful address be presented to His Excellency the Governor, requesting him to offer to the Imperial Government, for service in the Transvaal, a contingent of mounted rifles. That, in the event of the offer being accepted, the Government is empowered, after selection by the Commander of the Forces, to provide, equip, and despatch the force." G. Maurice O'Rorke, 28th September, 1899. Speaker, House of Representatives.

No. 83.—Canada. Governor-General the Earl of Minto to Mr. Chamberlain. (Telegram received 2nd November, 1899.) [Answered by Nos. 84 and 89.] Deep emotion has been caused in Canada by reports of reverses in South Africa, but a strong hope is felt everywhere that no cause exists for alarm. My Ministers are, however, prepared to act on your previous despatch (No. 18), and send another contingent at once, if Her Majesty's Government deem it advisable.

No. 84.—Canada. Mr. Chamberlain to Governor-General the Earl of Minto. (Telegram sent 9 p.m., 2nd November, 1899.) I have communicated to the Secretary of State for War the generous and patriotic offer of your Government to send further contingent. His reply will be telegraphed as soon as possible ; in the meantime I desire to express my gratitude.

No. 85.—Queensland. Lieutenant-Governor Sir S. W. Griffith to Mr. Chamberlain. (Telegram received 9.25 a.m., 3rd November, 1899.) Have much pleasure in informing you that " Cornwall" sailed from Moreton Bay with contingent 2nd November; strength as follows: 14 officers, 248 non-commissioned officers and men, 2 machine-guns, 13 wagons; departure unavoidably delayed by stress of weather before arrival ship at Brisbane. Expected to arrive at Port Elizabeth 28th November.

No. 86.—Western Australia. Governor Sir Gerard Smith to Mr. Chamberlain. • (Telegram received 12.15 p.m., 3rd November, 1899.) [Answered by No. 87.] Western Australian unit, five officers 125 men, embark "Medic" sth November; men of splendid physique, suitable for hardest work. Premier requests me to add that effort of Western Australia to show a practical sympathy in defence of British interests meets with great enthusiasm among people; he expresses with pride through me for information of Her Majesty the Queen assurance of the loyalty to her (of) people in Western Australia.

No. 87.—Western Australia. Mr. Chamberlain to Governor Sir Gerard Smith. (Telegram sent 5.42 p.m., 3rd November, 1899.) Referring to your telegram, 3rd November (No. 86), Her Majesty's Government have received with much pleasure account of enthusiasm of people of Western Australia in connection with despatch of contingent. Her Majesty much gratified Premier's message.