§ MR. DILLONI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of New Zealand have-addressed a communication to the Home Government with reference to the treatment of the sick and wounded of the New Zealand contingent, and of those who have been invalided home; and, if so, whether he will lay the correspondence upon the Table of the House.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The only communication I have received from the Government of New Zealand on this subject is the following telegram from Lord Ranfurly, dated 3rd July—
My Government have received great complaints from contingents with regard to hospital arrangements in South Africa. New Zealand is prepared to meet any costs for comforts or attendance on them.To this I have sent the following reply—In reply to your telegram of yesterday (hospital arrangements) Her Majesty's Government regret to learn that such complaints have been made. Although owing to military exigencies there may have been unavoidable temporary deficiencies, as to which Her Majesty's Government propose to hold full inquiry, ample supplies are available, and Her Majesty's Government, while appreciating offer to meet cost of attendance, consider that any such expense should be properly borne by Imperial funds.
§ MR. DILLONWas there not a complaint that some of the New Zealand contingent had been sent home badly clothed?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI have read the only communication received on the subject.