The Lyttelton Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1900.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIII, Issue 12159, 24 March 1900, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times. SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1900.

A report has reached London that Mafelring has been relieved. The War Office; is awaiting confirmation of the report. The Knight Templar, with 'the Third Contingent from New Zealand, has -arrived at Durban. In the House of Commons -the Bill introduced by Mr Gould-ing, M.P. for Devizes, providing for compen-s’aticn for accidents to agricultural labourers, was read a second time. The Government is supporting the measure. The German newspapers protest -against the immigration of the Boers to Damara-land, and predict that if it is carried out it will cause trouble. All the Powers have replied negatively to President Kruger’s and President Steyn’s overtures for mediation. Cablegrams from Pretoria stale that the Transvaalers have blown up three railway bridges between Bloemfontein and Kroon-stad. This is taken as an indication that it is not intended to defend the Free State.' There are indications that Lord Roberts anti Sir Alfred Milner -are settling the conditions of the surrender and administration of the Free State and the treatment of rebels. The Free State burghers desiring to sutc wilder are so numerous that Lord Roberts lias seat small columns in various dirsnlc-as to register their names. Ten artillery and twenty intiutvy commissions in the Army will be offend to New Zealand. A private cable message states that Trooper Jenks, of the First Contingent from New Zealand, has died of fever in South Africa. The “Morning Post” states that Messrs Fischer, Wessels and Wolmernns are taking te Russia for safety, documents implicating President Steyn and the members of the Afrikander Bond in Cape Colony. The “ Times ” -states that the Australian opinion regarding the South African settlement ought to havo a special wholesome influence on American opinion. The question of Australian troops freeing the Imperial troops has impressed the Continental and British newspapers. The Boers have burned the town of Pomeroy, General Snyman, with a large force, sharply but indecisively attacked Colonel Plumer south of Loha.tsi on March 15. He left only a few men and guns around Mafeking. The Be-chu-ana chief, Batheon, is guarding Colonel Plumer’s right by threatening to assail the Boers if they encroach on his territory. Mr Schreiner has consented to declare a public holiday after Matching is relieved.