The British Treatment of Boer Prisoners

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 5059, 9 March 1900, Page 2

The British Treatment of Boer Prisoners

Tlie Australian Bushmen

President Kruger's Foresight

General Buller's Losses

A Successful Bay

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright , London, March 7 Daring Major Maxwell's attack on the Boer position north of Dordrecht, last Sunday, when the Cape Mounted Rifles scaled the breastworks, one of them was captured, and compelled to hoist the white flag. The Boers immediately afterwards retreated hurriedly, scattered by a shell, and the captured rifleman escaped unhurt, amidst the terrific British firp. Sixty dead Boers were found in a cave in Oronje's laager, at Koodoosrand. Cronje's staff admit that they have been overwhelmed with kindness since being taken prisoners. Lord Roberta has been gazetted honorary colonel of the City of London Imperial volunteers. In the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain said that ha was glad to announce that the Government's request for two thousand additional Australian bushmen had been cordially and enthusiastically received. London, March 8 President Kroger's valuables have been lodged in vaults in Amsterdam. General Builer reports that the additional losses in his rank and file between February 16 and February 27 were 115 killed, 582 wounded, and 54 i missing. The following regiments are' the chief sufferers in the latest list of casualties -.—First Battalion of Iniakilling Fusiliers, 49 killed, 167 wounded, 22 missing; Second Battalion of Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 14 killed, 98 wounded, 18 missing; First Battalion of Oonnaugfht Rangers, 19 kilhdj, 105 wounded, 8 missing • Second Battalion of Scots Fusiliers, 17 killed, 68 wounded ; Second Battalion of Irish Fusiliers, 11 killed, 63 wounded/ The position occupied by the Boers at Osfontein was extremely strong, and cunningly arranged, with a second line of entrenchments. Lord Roberts I states that a direct attack would have caused a heavy loss to the British. The turning movement was necessarily | wide, and the hones were fatigued. Genera! French's horse artillery batteries did great execution among the Boer commandoes. De Wet and Delaney commanded the fleeing Boers. Lord Roberts telegraphed from Oefontein yesterday that the enemy occupied a position extending for four miles north and eleven miles south of the Modder River. Major General Colvilie's Guards Division acted on the north, and General Kelly Kenny's Division and General Tucker's Cavalry on the south. The cavalry out-flank-ing the enemy, opened the way for General Kelly Kenny, who advanced without firiug a shot. The enemy retreated in a north-easterly direction, closely followed by the cavalry, horse artillery and mounted infantry, while Generals Tucker, Colville, and PoleCarew crossed the river at Poplar's Drift, where Lord Roberts says ha intends to establish his head quarters. Lord Roberts reports that a very successful day completely routed the enemy. The fighting was confined to the cavalry, which did exceedingly well. The British casualties number 50.

The offer of Sir Thomas Fitzgerald, the weH'known Melbourne surgeon, to act as surgeon-consulfcant with the Royal Army Medical Corps, has been accepted. Melbourne, March 8 Sir Thomas Fitzgerald goes to South Africa for three months without fee, the Government paying his bare expenses.