The Boer War.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 57, 8 March 1901, Page 2

The Boer War.

HOW DE WET WAS ALLOWED

TO ESCAPE,

AN UNFORTUNATE ORDER.

A TRAP SET AND THE DOOR

LEFT OPEN,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Received 12.2Cfa.m., March 8. London, March 7. Do Wet’s cscapo from Lilliefontoin was duo to a miscalculation, which resulted in the column undor Colonol Hon. J. H. Byng, operating in that neighborhood, being temporarily, but peremptorily, ordered to proceed to Hamilfontein. This was tho critical moment of tho whole pursuit.

Do Wet instantly seized tho opportunity and crossed the river in Byng’s absence. Do Wet lost four thousand horses during his invasion of Capo Colony, but Hertzog, when ho joined him, brought a splondid supply. It is felt that greater initiative ought to bo allowed tho British commandors on tho spot, inasmuch as it is impossible to wiro orders.

Do Wet usually outpaces tho best column by fivo miles a day, and unless a commander strikos his rearguard immediately it is impossible to maintain contact with him.

DE WET’S FOLLOWERS SCATTER-

A BOER ATTACK REPULSED,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, March 7. Dc Wet is scattering his followers into groups.

Six columns of British aro pursuing tho scattered forces.

Three hundred Boors attacked Aberdeen on tho sth instant. Tho attacking force was repulsed after four hours’ lighting. Thore wore no British casualties.