THE DEFENCE OF KIMBERLEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 293, 11 December 1899, Page 3

THE DEFENCE OF KIMBERLEY.

KIMBERLEY, November 1, per dispatch rider, via Hopetoun. Renter's special service:—

The enemy are pursuing their usual tactics, viz., burning and destroying. First Aye found they had fired De Burg's haystacks, burned his grass, etc. Fifteen hundred men, it is stated, left Mafeldng on the 22nd tilt. It is supposed they arrived here, as the enemy seems to be in greater numbers and closer all round Kimberley. They attempted a demonstration, some 1200 strong, three miles east of the Premier mine to-day, being- clearly seen. They also opened fire on two of: De Beer's carts, but did no damage.

Mr Rhodes is making an avenue a mile long at Kenilworth, to be called "Siege Avenue." A double roAV of orange trees, Avith espaliers for vines, Avill be planted, and on either side Avill be pepper trees, forming the background.

A tremendous explosion, heard everywhere, occurred at 2 p.m., the enemy having- blown up one or both of the huts containing- De Beer's dynamite. The stores are some seven miles distant, near M'Farlane's, the scene of Tuesday's fight. The amount of dynamite stored there Avas 1400 cases, or 35 tons, and the value £3500.

There was a parade to-day of the Maxim and field gun detachments of the Cape police, the Royal Artillery, De Beer's_ Maxims, and the Diamond Fields' Artillery. Mr Rhodes was present. All the AA'Ounded are in a satisfactory condition.

The garrison orders to-day intimate a food supply committee Aviil be formed to regiiiate prices, etc.

The weather is cooler