THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 278, 3 December 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright London, Dec. 1. An optimistic feeling prevails at the / Cape that the war has entered on its final phrase. The Boers have little ammunition, and arc experiencing great hardships. The extension of blockhouses is circumscribing the healthy areas available io them. Kemp's commando is reaping and bury-

ing gram. The Victoria Cross has been awarded to Lieutenant Price Davies, of the King's Royal Rilles, for gallantry at Blood Rivorpoort. The 7th Hussars have sailed for South Africa. London, Dec. 2. Commandos totalling 1500 men occupy positions in the west of Cape Colony somo distance from the railways, and where water is scarce. General French, with eight columns, is operating southwards and eastwards. Invaders and loyalist troops occupy various villages.

A STATESMAN'S SPEECH. By Telegraph—Tress Association —Copyright London, Dec. 2.

Sir Gordon Sprigg, speaking at the Caledonian Society’s banquet, said that the army of the Capo Colony, numbered 18,000, three-fourths being mounted, and they were increasing weekly. The colony was controlling thirty-one districts, including Transklin territories, with the view of preventing tho invaders’ return or encouragement being given thereto, and was paying the whole cost of the town guards. The Government and Lord Kitchener were working in perfect harmony. The meeting of Parliament was dependent on the ending of tho war. The attrition of the enemy was proceeding steadily. Localists were of a hopeful mind, but a large debt had been incurred in maintaining the requisite force. The Customs Conference would be the first steps from which the federation of the States would gradually mature for good. 11c opposed the ultimate subdivision of tho colony into two States.