LATEST GABLE NEWS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 92, 2 March 1881, Page 2

LATEST GABLE NEWS.

[Reuter's Special to Star.]

Capetown, F< biuary 26.

Intelligence has been received here from Natal that a severe disaster has occurred in Transvaal to a portion of the force under Sir George Colley. News to hand states that he advanced from Ingogo With six companies of infantry, and occupied Spitskop. The Boers, in great force, made a strong attack on the position, and desperate fighting ensued, lasting all the morning. The British troops suffered immense loss, and finally were driven h-om the place. Sir George Colley and a number of officers were killed, and out of th whole six companies only 100 officers and men escaped.

February 28.

Further telegrams to hand from Natal fully confirm the previous announcement of the disaster to the British troops in Transvaal. The fighting at Spitskop was of a desperate aud most sanguinary character, and lasted for fully seven hours. The British resisted the attack of the Boers until their ammunition was exhausted, aud the small force which was left was then compelled to retreat. The enemy followed in pursuit for some distance, but were checked by the guns from the camp at Mount prospect, where the,' stragglers from the defeated force are now arriving safely.

Gladstone's physicians report that he is in no danger from the wound he received, but he requires complete rest.

The head-quarters of the Irish Land League have now been transferred to Paris, and Parnell has again gone on a visit to that city.