THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 40, 16 February 1901, Page 3

THE BOER WAR.

EFFORTS TO MAKE PEACE

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Feb. 14.

T. P. Theron, President of the Afrikander Bond, is proceeding to Capetown to consult with Piet De Wet, who desires that the Bond should send a deputation to intimate to Christian De Wet and Steyn that the Afrikanders will afford no material help to the raiders, and to"persuade the commandos to re-cross the Orange river and surrender. He is confident that Botha will then yield, as he is aware that Botha formerly earnestly advocated surrender.

Botha is apparently seeking refuge in Pongala bush, South Swaziland, and the extreme south-east of the Transvaal. He has tens of thousands of cattle, and his convoy extends for miles. A commando crossed the Orange river on the 13th, in the Philipstown district. It is understood that DeWet is in command.

The Quefcn of Swaziland has informed Lord Kitchener that she desires to prevent the Boers entering her territories. The Boers captured two trams near Belfast, robbed the passengers, and started the trains, so that they came into collision, and the engines were smashed. Thirty thousand applications for enlistment in General Powell’s Constabulary have been received in London. Two thousand six hundred have been accepted. The British have commandeered two thousand horses and mules in Malmesburg district. London, Feb. 15.

General French driving a large force of Boers in the direction of Reitrcticf, prevented them breaking back. The Inniskillings charged them, killing five and wounding six. They also captured a large number of waggons and cattle.

Capetown, Feb. 13.

A deputation from a representative Congress of Cape Colony municipalities urged Sir Gordon Sprigg to constitute a Board of Health. Sir G. Sprigg, replying, said he recognised the gravity of the case, and would do his utmost to prevent an epidemic of enteric.

VICTORIA’S FIFTH CONTINGENT,

Melbourne, last night: The Fifth Contingent sailed in the troopship Orient. They marched down tire principal streets, there being large crowds and much enthusiasm.

Two hundred and fifty volunteers for the Marquis of Tullibardinc’s Scottish Horse and twenty-four Dragoon Guards, who go to join these regiments in South Africa; also departed by the Orient.