CABLEGRAMS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 11563, 16 June 1900, Page 3

CABLEGRAMS.

[PER PBESS ASSOOIATION. — COPYRIGHT.] tents, sleeping out in the rain, but I never heard a complaint from any one of them. One thing we should have had served out before leaving New Zealand — wire cutters. They are absolutely necessary for scouting, as wire fences are , everywhere. On one occasion our men were scouting near Teinonf ontein when a Boer patrol was sightod. Of course, the scouts came galloping in, and fortunately their horses jumped the wire, muoh to the surprise of the Kaffrarian Rifles, who were forming the rear guard. One cannot get these outters here for love or money. On the way up to Bloemfontein the Hawke's Bay men have been used as flank scouts for the column on the march ; my own duties, as well as looking out for the enemy, being to visit farms and commandeer horses, forage, and search for arms. At one place I got four Mausers, besides several weapons of all sorts. If the farmer gives up his arms he gets a pass, but must remain on his farm. On this expedition the Hawke's Bay men lived well, many a fat goose and turkey finding its way to our camp. But one sees some very sad sights— deserted homes, women and children living as best they can, often imploring for news of husbands away at the front. We made a night march on Smithfield, where there were supposed to be 400 Boers. We saddled up at 12 at night (May Ist), and rode ten miles over very rough country. The Maltas (men taken from various regiments and formed into mounted infantry) led the way. We got there at dawn, and lined the kopjes round the town (about half tbe size of Hastings). When it became light enough the firing started, and for eight hours our division remained on the hills. At last No. 1 company entered the town. When they came out the Malta men on the hill opposite opened fire on.thetn, thinking they were the enemy. The exit of No. 1 Company from that town was somewhat hurried. I saw through my glasses the bullets " kicking dust spots on the green," as Kipling puts it. Fortunately, no one was hit. The Maltas afterwards explained that they could not recognise our men for the dust, and getting a glimpse of the slouch hats, 1 took them for Boers. After that we are to use helmets. Sixteen Boer prisoners were taken and four English scouts released from prison. We have just come into contaot with the first and seoond men. Lieutenant Johnstone called on me yesterday. He informed me that there were only about 30 men of the first lot left. Several had J joined the Mounted Police in which the J which the pay is better. Others had gone ( co England on the sick-list, and some are in hospital here. Percy Emerson, an old Napier boy, was in our camp yesterday. Ho is down here looking after sick horses. Charlie Chapman, a man of my old company, the Napier Guards, was here two days ago. He has now gone to the front. I am informed that the First Contingent are very short of horses, and I don't wonder at it. We are in the same fix, sore backs being the chief complaint.