THE RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 63, 15 March 1900, Page 2

THE RELIEF OF KIMBERLEY.

LONDON, February 16.— The War Office posted several dispatches from Lord Roberts to-day. One message was us follows: —

JACOBSDAL, February 16.—The following- from General French was received this morning:—"l have completely dispersed the enemy from the southern side of Kimberloy, from

Alexandersfontein to Oliphanlsfontein, and am now going" to occupy their ground. Have captured the enemy's laager and store supplies and supplies of ammunition. Casualties about twenty of all ranks wounded. Kimberley cheerful and well."

Lord Roberts also sent the follcnving:-—

"JACOBSDAL, February 16.—1 have good reason to believe "the Magersfontein trenches have been abandoned and that the Boci-s are endeavouring to escape. General French is scouring the country north of Kimberley. One of General KellyKenny's brigades of infantry is in pursuit of a large Boer convoy moving toward Bloemfontein.

The following dispatch was posted this evening: —

"MODDER RIVER, February 16.— The Sixth division left Waterfall drift early yesterday morning and marched here, going on the same evening to Rondeval drift to hold the crossing of the Modder "River and leave General French free to act. Shortly after arriving here the mounted infantry visited Jacobsdal and found it full of women and children, with four of our wounded men doing well. On the way back the mounted infantry were attacked and nine men were wounded. Colonel Henry and Major Hadhell and ten men were missing. Both officers were subsequently found at Jacobsdal, slightly wounded.

"The cavalry division is moving in a northerly direction and has apparently already reduced the pressure on Kimberley, as Kekewich signals that the enemy has abandoned Alexandersfontein and that he has occupied it..

"French has advanced as far as Abonsdam. with a slight loss and i£ pushing on his outposts, his rear being held by mounted infantry.

The War Office points out that the word "here" in the above dispatch means some point on the Modder River other than Modder River station.

The last dispatch of the day, which was posted at 11 p.m., read: —

"JACOBSDAL, February 16.—7.45 p.m.—l was much, gratified, on arrival here, to find admirable hospital arrangements made by the German Ambulance Corps under Drs. Kaettner and Hildebrand, who, with their staffs, have shown the greatest kindness to our wounded, as they have to the Boer wounded. Some of our wounded have been here since December. Some were brought in yesterday."