The Boer War.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 39, 15 February 1901, Page 2

The Boer War.

SPECIAL MENTION OF MAJOR

ROBIN. THIEVES AT NATAL. NUMEROUS ARRESTS MADE. FRENCH IN ACTION. FORTY BOERS KILLED : 200 PRISONERS TAKEN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Feb. 13. In his despatches just published, Earl Roberts mentioned Major Robin, of Now Zealand, as having distinguished himself. Extensive thefts of military stores have been discovered in Natal. Six railway employees have been arrested. A hotelkeeper and several storekeepers are implicated. General French' attacked tho Boers’ laager at Somolo last week. The General’s force killed forty Boers and captured two hundred prisoners and a great quantity of cattle. The British recovered some fifteenpounder guns lost at the battlo of Colenso. London, Feb. 13. Details of tho fight at Klipkraal Junction on the 6th show that 12 of tho 7th Dragoon Guards, 12 Westralians, and three mounted police, carrying despatches, encounterod several hundred Boers.

The handful of British, occupying two small kopjes, gallantly replied to an hour’s heavy rifle fire, four Westralians preventing a flanking movement, until the Boers made a wide detour, completely surrounding them at sunset.

Two hundred of the enemy, under oover of heavy fire from the main body, charged, overpowering and capturing the small force of British, who, after being stripped of arms and other belongings, and being complimented on their bravery, were released. Tho Boers admitted that they had five men killed.

It is reported at Capetown that Do Wot has crossed the Orange River, and is proceeding to PhillipsEowu. Corporal Challis, of the New South Wales Bushmen, has died of enteric.

Replying to a query, Lord Kitchener informed the Government that tho service of new contingents would be for one year, or until tho end of the year.