LADYSMITH'S RELIEF.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 53, 3 March 1900, Page 5

LADYSMITH'S RELIEF.

—» • _, GARRISON WEAKENED BY PRIVATION. BOERS RAPIDLY RETREATING. URGE PARTY ANNIHILATED NEAR - LADYSMITH. o .— -—— ... v The Position in the Free State. - o FRENCH to DRIVE the BOERS NORTH from CAPE COLONY

[KZ. Press Association.—Copyright.]

(Received 9.20 a.m.)

LONDON, March 2

Seventy of the Boers from Umbwalana Mountain retreating on. the 23rd halted opposite Ladysmith. A battery within the range of •which they came fbted, annihilating ithe majority.

The "Times" correspondent at Ladysmith says that at the British en try cf the town was witnessed a moving scene. The women, with children in their erms tearfully grasped the hands of

their rescuers, while strong men burst into tears. Seventy-three waggons with stores, of the convoy concentrated at Colenso, have arrived at Ladysmith.

Major-General Barton, whose force Bo gallantly captured Pieters Hill, was iwounded on the 27th. LONDON, March 1. ".General Builer reports that ' the OBoers are retreating in hot haste. Except a.small rearguard north of Surprise Hill, and a party south of Ladyjsmitli, the besiegers have vanished; The garrison will require' a little nursing before they are fit for seryice. ' ' ' ' '; 'it is' feared that the Boers saved their guns. Their sudden, retreat from Ladysmith is largely attributed to General Roberts' victory. ! The relief .of Ladysniith caused great excitement in Britain. Bells were rung-, and the London stteets .were crowded. Cheers were given in jnany of the Stock Exchanges.

On receipt of the news the Bank of England's staff sang the National 'Anthem in the Governor's parlour.

There was an extraordinary demonstration of enthusiasm in the provinces, and also in Ireland.

General Buller's telegrams were read and cheered in Parliament. . .......

The Queen and the Prince of Wales sent congratulatory telegrams to General Buller and General White.

A later account says there are Universal rejoicings and unbounded enthusiasm at the relief of Lady? smith. :.

London.ss decorated.with bunting. Crowds waving tiny Union Jacks paraded the streets all the evening,, cheering the Queen and generals, and Dinging patriotic songs. The Lord Mayor announced the news to an immense throng at the Mansion House.

There were delirious demoHstera.tions at the Exchange, and Lloyd's. India, Canada, West Indies, Malta, and Gibraltar showed wild delight, Qlso South Africa.

A crowd at Capetown, compelled the hoisting of the flag at Parliament House, which is the first occasion such has been done during the war. An appalling bombardment at the Capture of Pieter's Hill preceded a terrific conflict, in which the Boers iwere bayoneted.

It was the most desperate incident !of the campaign.

Soldiers' private letters received in England indicate that during the at' tack on Spionkop a British provisionConvoy passed into Ladysmith. If this is confirmed, it explains General Buller's action.