A STIFF ENGAGEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 56, 7 March 1900, Page 5

A STIFF ENGAGEMENT.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN

ACTION

RENDSBERG, February 9

The enemy made an appearance yesterday, threatening' our right flank, making- it advisable' to stop the wagl--"•ons until the line was cleared. - Totlay the Australians and Tasmanians, 50 strong1, made a reconnaissance, having- a warm day's work. They were eventually compelled, to retire, being1 driven back by an .overwhelming force several hundred stiiong". Our force was divided into two portions. An advance party, consisting- of the Tasmania s, under;. Cameron, supported by the Inniskiliings, and with Salmon, of the Victorian Uifles, examined the kopjes while the remainder of the forces worked to the right. The latter were soon engaged' with the enemy, who fired very heavily from the hills. The Australians advancing' across the plain immediately .sought cover, and returned their fire. Meanwhile Cameron's men came upon the flank of the Boers, who in.turn sought cover. The Australians poured a few volleys oil the enemy while they dismounted, who quickly replied. Cameron's men sought cover on high rocky kopjes, which they held for an hour and ahalf, but the Boers being numerically stronger worked round, firing at the horses and men. compelling them to get, away, which they did under hot lire, taking up a second position, and again checking the enemy. The enemy then circled round towards the rear, and the position' was abandoned. The enemy fired wildly and furiously on the retreating Australians, pursuing them within two miles of the outpost. Not one of the party was hit, but the escapes were marvellous. The supporting- party arrived in camp after a similar experience. One Tasmanian, named Peers, was wounded slightly in the neck. On several occasions during i the day the effect of the volleys was i visible from the empty saddles. Peers accounting for three. Our boys showed true grit throughout the engagement.

The New Zealanders, llimington Guides, and a squadron of the Life Guards, occupied v position on the extreme right Hank of a large Boer force cit Kendsberg. In a most audacious manner the New Zealanders made a sweep of the neighbouring hills. Several kopjes were reconnoitred and occupied, and finally the outposts which the enemy had been occupy ing" fotsome time past was rushed and taken, the enemy offering1 very little resistance. One New Zealand horse was

wounded