TROOPERS' LETTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 103, 2 May 1900, Page 5

TROOPERS' LETTERS.

Mr T. J. Tockl, one of the Auckland boys at. the front, writing to a. friend from South Africa, states: —"This is a terrible place we are in. On March 3rd we were ordered into the interior, as the rebels were looting- all the places south of the Orange River. We are now looking- for them, but the Boers only snipe at us, and will not come out to have a go. So far we have taken four prisoners. Our column consists of West, Australians (250), Yeomanry (300), Xew.Zealanders (250), Canadian Mounted Rifles (500), Canadian Battery of six 12-pouuders and

200 men. making, altogether. 1500 men, all mounted, under Colonel Parsons, an old veteran and really fine officer. 1 not as camp adjutant, as well ns adjutant to our contingent. Lord Kitchener is inarching' to meet us at Kenliardt. I am getting" to be a regular Dutch scholar, as I have to go ahead with 50 men to arrange for water, forage, etc. When we enter a village the' people .scowl at us, and if they dared would give us a very warm welcome. The whole district from Victoria to where we are is Dutch, not a single Britisher. I can't see why we bother fighting for siu'h a crowd. The land is awfully poor; in fact, I have not seen a blade of grass since landing in South Africa. We are having terribly hot weather. I have not shaved for over a month., am burnt as brown as a nigger, and only get a wash about once a week. Our horses are keeping line. .1 am as hardy as a nail now. though a little rough and dirty."