Telegraphic News.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XLIX, Issue 2455, 23 March 1900, Page 2

Telegraphic News.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)}

[By Telegraph],

Chrisnchurch, March 22 Lyttelton stores too full for grass seed.

London, March 21

Mr Steyn replying to Lord Roberts's telegram protesting against the misuse jof the white flag, notably by De la Rey's commando at Osfontein, and the use of explosive bullets, declares that Lord Roberts must have been mistaken He says that De lajtey denied the allegation. Mr Steyn gives 'several instances in which lie alleges that the British themselves misused the white flag. With regard to explosive bullets, Mr Steyn stated that they were neither purchased by the Republics nor their use allowed, but a quantity of LeeMetford dum-dums had been taken from the British.

Lord Roberts, commenting on these statements, declares that enquiries have proved Mr Steyn's allegations to be unfounded, as he himself saw what Mr Steyn denies. He thinks it undesirable to continue the correspondence.

Mr. Steyn, in his reply to Lord Roberts, declared that when within 50 yards of the Boers at Osfontein, the British on one occasion raised their hands and showed the white flag, The British artillery at once turned on the men who wished to surrender, compelling them to resume the charge on the Boers. Similarly at Spion Kop, while

the burghers were disarming a corps who hoisted a flag of truce and raised their hands, another section of British volleyed at both their surrendering comrades and |,the Boers, and some were killed. Again it is reported that at the last battle at Tugela river, the British artillery opened fire on their own troops which desired to surrender.

A son of Judge Rogers was severely wounded at Spion Kop, and the War Office helieves he died a prisoner.

The following additional casualties are reported at the battle of Osfontein : New South Wales Mounted Infantry, Lieut. Holborow, Corporal Munro, Privates Rice and Bathurst slightly wounded, Queensland Mounted Infantry. Private Avis slightly wounded.