KLERKSDORP DISTRICT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 147, 22 June 1901, Page 5

KLERKSDORP DISTRICT.

GALLANT CHARGE BY NEW ZEALANDERS.

KLERKSDORP, May 14.—General Babington's column returned to-day, bringing a number of prisoners and refugees, also 15,000 sheep and LSOO cattle, the result of ten days' patrol.

The column captured the laagers of Klassen and Vermans. After a wide detour to cut off the laagers, the column had an exciting time. The advance consisted of twenty-five New Zealanders, who, flas soon as they sighted a force of 150 Boers, charged. The enemy lied. On the left of the New Zealanders was a party of Bushmen, and on the right a party of Imperial Light Horse. The chase vvnw continued for miles. A pom-pom was brought, into action, and helped the flying Boers on their way. Twentyfive Boers were, driven into -the arms of Colonel Dixon's column and captured. The whole convoy was captured by General Babington's force. The waggons of some Boers, who were trekking across country, were also captured.

The burghers in the district traversed by the column arc completely disheartened and dissatisfied with their oonnnaiulunt, whose colossal fabrications they arc beginning to see. Pood, too, is very scarce in"' the houses visited by the column, only meat and mealies being seen. All stock was laken by the column, and women and children brought to the refugee camp, which received <iOO accessions during the week.