PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10481, 20 October 1899, Page 6

PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

BOER OPERATIONS EAST AND WEST. (Br ax E_-__mb_r or th_ _nt_luq_xci Bkancb or South Anuca.) Briefly reading over the news so far cabled to New Zealand, the objective of tbe Boer { Commandants in the field is plainly pointed out, and fully confirms tbe plans of campaign as published in my former letter. On the West Cronje has occupied and holds pos-•M-ioo of the railway from Mafeking southward, and has joined forces with the Western division of the Free State forces for aa attack on Kimberley; this attack may be expected shortly, as on the result of it will depend the attitude of the Cape Dutch in the struggle for supremacy in South Africa. Should the British prove able to hold out in one or two important engagements at the start, we may fairly expect that the Cape Dutc-> will remain passive, but if the Boer fanes succeed, then we may look out for a blase from the Cape to the Zambesi. With Baden Powell's forces cut off from a base of supplies, he must either move north to Bulawayo, or risk an engagement with an anmy greatly superior to his own, for there la no doubt that so far the Boer forces are between him and reu-brceine-ts that may be dispatched from Capetown or King Williamstown, and as it seems improbable that a sufficient number of troops are available at either or both of the points named to beat off Cronje's forces and re-open communication with the force, now in Kimberley, and then to so to Powell's assistance by retaking possession of the railways, I am of opinion that Kimberley will soon be taken, and its garrison must make a dash to tbe south and effect a junction with supports at De Aar junction. Otherwise it must wage a losing -got against overwhelming odds, and eventually make the best terms possible, and sur-