THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Lake County Press, Issue 973, 1 August 1901, Page 5

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Privates Walter Miller and William Rutherford, 7th N. Z. Contingent, were slightly wounded at Lindiqe.

In the House of Commons the Hon. St. John Brodrick stated that in only one instance had burghers been compelled to attend an execution. The circumstances were exceptional and their presence was doubtless intended to have a deterrent effect. Colonel Scobell on Sunday captured 10 Boers. Sergeant-Major McGillivray (South Australia) was killed at Vankollensfontein. Two rebels at Kenhardt, and two at

Middleburg have been executed, and thirteen at Dordrecht were sentenced to penal servitude for life, and two five and ten years respectively. Colonel Benson on the 9th forestalled Viljoen at Witpoort Bridge, commanding Dillstroom. The Boers, unaware that the bridge was held, encountered a brisk fire and fell back in confusion. One hundred Boers, held in reserve, attempted to prevent pursuit, but were routed and Viljoen later abandoned 16 waggon 3. Colonel Benson, following the enemy unbrokenly for 25 mile.«, compelled him to fight an action at Olifant'a River, killing six and wounding five of the enemy. The British casualties were few. The Scottish Horse* distinguished themselves in the fighting. The following New Zealanders have accepted commissions as lieutenants : —S. W. H. Crawford, in Norfolk Regiment; A. B. Rose, Manchester Regiment; R. M. D. Williams, York and Lancaster Regiment.

Casualties—New Zealanders : Lieutenant Carter, slightly, and Privates

G. W. Callaway and Andw. Peterson severely, wounded at Vereenising ; Victorian : Sergt. Buckingham, killod at Rhenoster Kop. The Standard's Pretoria correspondent states that Cols Beuson, Beatson, Spens and Parks, with four columns, in the vicinity of Dillstroom, awaited Ben Viljoen's 600, from Rhenoster Kop, to Nelspruit; Viljeon being unaware that his advance was blocked. A battle was fought on the 7th, the enemy suffering heavy loss. Major-General Baden Powell has arrived atSouthampton. He was accorde 1 an ovation and said his work in South Africa was two-thirds finished, and he would return the moment he had recuperated. Colonel Garrett captured a laager at Losberg and took 25 prisoners, 1000 cattle, and many horses and sheep. The War Office is publishing the statements which General Kitchener has collected supporting the Vlakfontein outrage. Piet Furster, a German, is named as the most prominent offender.

A Reuter's message reports that Commandant Spruit was killed while attempting to cross the railway near Heidelberg. The mortality in the concentration camps in South Africa is steadily diminishing. Three hundred Boer families, with waggons, trekked to Bechuanahnd and claimed British protection.