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No. 25. (No. 72.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 10th November, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 67), of the 29th September last, transmitting a resolution passed by the House of Eepresentatives, respecting the offer of a contingent of New Zealand Mounted Eifles for service in South Africa, and reporting the arrangements made for the composition and equipment of the Force. The patriotic enthusiam with which the Government and people of New Zealand have taken a share in the defence of Imperial interests in South Africa has been received with warm and sincere gratification by the Government and people of this country, and the promptitude of the arrangements made for the despatch of the contingent has been cordially recognised by the military authorities. I have, &c, J. CHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G., &c.

A.-1, 1900, No. 20.

No. 26. (No. 74.) My Loed, — Downing Street, 14th November, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 64), of the 18th September, reporting on the state of affairs in the Cook Islands. 2. I am glad to learn that the condition of the group is satisfactory. I have, &c, J. GHAMBEELAIN. Governor the Eight Hon. the Earl of Eanfurly, K.C.M.G.

A.-1, 1900, No. 19.

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