NATAL TROUBLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1718, 7 April 1906, Page 2

NATAL TROUBLE.

REPORTS OF FIGHTING.

By 'telegraph, Prcsa Ass’n, Copyright Capetown, April 5. Groytown reports that tbe Kaffi'B attaokod and cut off a portion of the beta forco sont Dgainst Bambaata. lUVO Ot mo latter woro wounded. Subsequent mcesagcs state that rmpanza’s force wbb compelled to retire upon Groytown after heavy fighting. Mangcll’s forco rescued women ana obi'dron ot Keat’s Drift, and arrived a Groytown, after throe police bad been killed and six wounded in a running bgnt lasting six miles. Tho police escorted the women and children to Keat’s Drift, wbeie a laager was formed Bambaata attacked and besieged them tho wbolo night. Relief arrived in the morniDg, Only a few hundred men defend Gieytown. Strong reinforcements arrivo to morrow. A laager has been formed, and it is unlikely tbe town will be attacked, the rebels preferring to keep to tbe rugged country. Pietermaritzburg, April 5. Sir William Atbuckle, Preaident of the Natal Legislative Council, interviewed, deolarel that Bambaata’s rebellion was not connected with the executions. Pro bably be bad not beard of them when be abduoted his uncle.

London, April 5. The Westminster Gazette urges the Government to consider tbo expediency of employing Imperial troops from Maritzburg instantly to crush tbe rising.

FIGHT WITH BAMBAATA. AN AMBUSCADE. A SEVERE ENCOUNTER. By telegraph, Pre«a Ara’n, Copyright Received 11 57 p.m., April 6, Pietermaritzburg, April 6. While Bambaata’s followers were looting an hotel, whites and two ladies fled from Keateedrift. After resouing tbe Laager, Captain Mansel’s force of 150 tried to return to Grejtown. Bambaata, by means of an ambuscade near Impanza, attacked at sundown the vanguard under Major D mmick with rifles and assegais. The police coolly fired, killing many and keeping the natives at bay until Botha's farm was reached at midnight. The nature of the country prevented flankers being thrown out. Kaffirs got between, . The vanguard turned and fought their way back. Then the Kaffirs attacked the flanks, getting quite dose owing te the dense bush.

The ladies behaved with great ooorage, surrendering their carriage to the dead and wounded. Natives backed the dead bodies of Sergeants Brown and Harrison and two troopers, but the oolomn resoued and buried the remains.

Four troopers were wounded and Major Dimmick. Trooper Folker has been recommended for the Victoria Cross, returning at great peril to rescue Trumpeter MiltoD, who was dangerously wounded.