THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 97, 3 May 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

COLVILLE’S DESPATCH. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 1. It is stated that Commandant Kruitzingor’s force lias re-crossed tho Orange River. Slight daily encounters aro reported with small commandos in Capo Colony under Seheepcr, Malan, Swancpoll, and Touchenn, which are much harassed. Piet Do AVot, Chairman of tho Boor Pcaco Committee, reporting from Bloemfontein, emphasises Commandant Thermo’s refusal to recogniso the status of tho peace envoys, and also states that tho ministers of tho Dutch Reformed Church refused to act in tho interests of poaco unless the independence of the Republics was acknowledged. A Blue-book has been issued containing Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Colvillo’s despatch describing the unsuccessful attack upon Cronjo's laager at Paardcb'urg on February 18th. Tho despatch, which was discovered in a pigeon-hole in tho AVar Office, says : “ Kitchener directed mo to send Major-Gonoral Smith-Domen all tho available fresh troops to malio a determined assault on tho laager, and send Colonel Aldworth across tho drift, tho Canadian Highlanders co-operating. He dolivored tho attack with extraordinary courage and determination. 1 regret that it resulted in tho deatli of Colonel Aldworth and the loss of a considerable number of officers and men.”

ANOTHER ENGAGEMENT. BOERS MAKE AAVAY AVITII THEIR LAST LONG TOM. EXPLODE THE GUN AND FLEE FOR THEIR LIVES. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright London, May 2. General Gronfoll attacked tho Boors at Bergplaats, near Haouortsberg, facing the enemy's last Long Tom, which opened firo at ton thousand yards. Kitchener’s Fighting Scouts advanced rapidly to within three thousaud yards, when tho Boers exploded the Long Tom, and fled. Ton were captured. The other British column killed ten Boors, wounded six, and captured thirty thousand rounds of small arms ammunition, whilo sixty Boers surrendered. Tho British lost four killed and thoro were seven wounded in the various skirmishes. GERMAN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION.

REFUSAL TO GIVE LUMP SUM. By Telegraph—Prcs3 Association —Cop yright Received 10.30 p.m., May 2. London, May 2. Great Britain, being averse to establish a precedent, has rejoctod Germany’s claim to a lump sum of fivo thousaud pounds as compensation to Germans expelled from tho Transvaal. The Commission appointed by Lord Lunsdownc last mouth to investigate tho claims of deported foreigners is examining individual claims. PRISONERS OF WAR. FIVE HUNDRED ARRIVE AT MADRAS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 2. , Fivo hundred Boor prisoners havo arrived at Madras. They will ho sent to Bellary, a strongly fortified inland town and military station. lIOMEAVARD BOUND. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, last night. It is understood that tho Tongariro, with the members of the Third Contingent returning from South Africa, will not reach Otago till AVcdnesday morning.