Destitute Foreigners.

Hastings Standard, Volume V, Issue 1425, 16 January 1901, Page 3

Destitute Foreigners.

A STUBBORN FIGHT. (Becrived January 16, 9.30 a.m.} Losdon, January 15. A Kaffir led the Boers to tbe only entrance in the wire entanglements round Zuurfonteic Eight hundred suspects have been arrested a Yryburg and removed to Kimberley. Colonel De Ltisle, with a strong column, including the New South Wales Mounted Infantry, has arrived at Piquetberg, via Sutherland. Many destitute foreigners from the Transvaal are appealing to the Durban police for food and shelter. Their respective Consuls decline to help them. General White on the 3rd sent Colonel Laing, with 150 of Kitchener's bodyguard attached to General Knox's column, towards Reitz. While ascending tbe valley they experienced showers of explosive bullets from kopjes 600 yards on the right and left. The Boers numbered 1000. The British on returning met 500 Boers and galloped into a donga and fought from cover desoerately. Colonel Laing was shot through tbe heart. The enemy surrounded the small force, which maintained a dogged resistance till the Boers threatened to kill the survivors. Lieutenant Bateson galloped through the Boers and informed General White. Reinforcements WQ-e sent, and shelled the disappearing enemy, killing 17 at one spot. Received January 16, 9.56 a.m. Sydney, January 16.

Ffteen hundred applications have been received for the new contingent for tbe Cape. Captain Cox, who has jnst returned by the Orient, has offered his services. The Victorian torce will consist of 504 officers and men. Colonel Price has again offered his services for South Africa. South Australia's contingent will comprise 240 officers and men.