A KIND COMMANDANT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 211, 5 September 1900, Page 5

A KIND COMMANDANT.

TREATMENT OF WOUNDED

We have already reported the arrival at Dundee of the nineteen wounded men from Vryheid (says the Natal "Mercury' 'of July 26th. " They arrived, at the Base Hospital at Howick on Monday evening, along- with about 140 sick and wounded from Bailer's column. Prom conversation with some of Bethune's men, we are glad to learn of the exceptionally kind treatment they have all experienced since -their capture on May 20. The humane conduct of Field Cornet Grobelaar is worthy of mention. After the engagement, one of the wounded men was approached by a rough Boer ,who, after disarming- him, annexed his water bottle and rode off. The wounded one; soon after, seeing an old Boer 'coming near, hailed him. The old man spoke kindly, and, after examining' his shattered leg, asked what he could do for him. A little water was only craved. "And why do you Englishmen come out here without water-bottles?'.' The poor follow said his bottle was stolen by a Boer. "That must be a lie, none of my men would do a thing like that," was the reply. The statement was repeated, with a description of the man and the horse he rode. "I know the kerl. I am Grobelaar, the field cornet, and I'll see to it." He rode off, fetched the guilty Boer, made him return the bottle, and soundly rated him—even threatening him with cor-, poral chastisement! The old Boer warrior seems to have behaved with great, consideration and thoughtfulness.