TERRIBLE SUFFERING.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVI, Issue 1381, 6 March 1900, Page 3

TERRIBLE SUFFERING.

THE DEATH ROLL OVER 500.

Ladysmith lost 30 officero and' 513 men killed or died by disease, 70 officers and 520 men wounded, exclusive of civilians and natives. Eight thousand soldiers passed through the hospital. The garrison suffered great privations;

Since the middle of January rations were reduced after each of General Buller's rebuffs. Finally the allowance was half a pound of horse flesh, half a pound of biscuit, an ounce of sugar, and one-third of an ounce of tea daily.

The garrison are pale and listless, and unable to join in the pursuit of the Boers. Most of the horses belonging to the field batteries were converted into soup and sausages.

Twelve thousand shells we thrown into the town. They did little damage, and only killed 35 and wounded 188.

Lord Roberts now admits that he considered it almost Jjhopeless relieve Ladysmith.

Deliberate Boer pollution of the water supply of Ladysmith was the chief cause of disease and suffering.