THE NEW ZEALAND CASUALTIES.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7400, 28 February 1902, Page 3

THE NEW ZEALAND CASUALTIES.

Wellington, February 28. The Premier has received with regret the following cablegram from Colonel Porter, commanding the Seventh Contingent, which was forwarded by Major Pilcher from Capetown: " Regret it is lny duty to report a severe engagement, with heavy loss, by the New Zealand Seventh Contingent, at midnight on 23rd February. Upwards of 800 Boers, under H. Botha, Ross, and Alberts, broke through, driving the oor. don line of outposts at a point held by a hundred of the left wing. Under cover of a thousand cattle, the enemy rushed the position in overwhelming force, irresistible and bold. Our men, in the shelter of trenches, bravely and gallantly resisted the onslaught, as is evidenced by the fact that there were 59 casualties, all in the trenches. The killed number 24, and the wounded 27. Our loss was heavy. There were many instances of heroism, and not one skulker reported. All fully maintained bravely the reputation of the New Zea* landers as soldiers, and that is the only solatium I can offer the relatives. Particulars of casualties later." Napier, February 28. Captain Halpin, of the Napier, Rifles has been appointed Captain of the South Island Battalion of the Ninth, and leaves for South to-morrow. GisBOKNB, February 28. A private cable states that Captain Caulton, of the Seventh Contingent, was severely wounded.