THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 55, 6 March 1900, Page 5

THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.

CAME NONE TOO SOON.

ONLY FOUR DAYS FULL RATIONS LEFT.

Lord Roberts' Heartfelt Message.

THE RETREAT OF THE BESIEGERS.

THE ENEMY'S NEXT STAND.

BOERS CONCENTRATING WEST OF BLOBtFONTEIN.

British Successes in Cape Colony.

[N.Z. Press Association. —Copyright.]

(Received 9 a.m.)

LONDON", March 5

[Additional particulars now coming io hand show that the garrison of Ladysmith had been reduced to almost desperate straits. There were only four days' full rations in the town when it was "relieved. There were scores of abandoned Boer tents outside containing ample provisions, even luxuries. The well-directed fire of the naval guns prevented the enemy moving Long Tom from aUmbulwana Hill till •the last minute. • " The pursuit by two thousand men .of the Ladysmith garrison accelerated the starting of the last three trains containing the fleeing enemy from JModder's Spruit station, just north of the town. The Boers abandoned a large quantity of stores and ammunition. They destroyed the railway bridge, thus delaying pursuit. ' ... Scouts report, that there are no detachments of the enemy now within thirty miles of Ladysmith.

(Received, 9.15 a.m.)

LONDON, March 5

A list of the names of all the Mtal Dutch serving "with* the Boers was discovered at Bulwana Hill.

Lord Roberts' wire to General White ran: "Thank God, the national prayers have been answered."

General Buller's army has now attained a strength of 40,000.

LONDON, March 4.

Many Boers are retreating in the direction of Biggarsberg, south-west of Dundee.

The British are sending additional mounted troops into Zululand to intercept the Boers.

The Queen has congratulated' the bluejackets who assisted General Buller in the relief of Ladysmith.