THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12399, 12 January 1901, Page 7

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

NIGHT ATTACKS. HEAVY FIGHTING. TEE BOERS REPULSED. AMMUNITION FOR DE VET. United Press Association—By Eleckia Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, Jan. 10. The Boers, on the night of Jan. 7, simultaneously attacked many posts in the Belfast, Wonderfontein, Nooigedacht, Wildfontein and Pan districts. A dense fog enabled) them to creep close to the British parties. After heavy fighting, they were repulsed, twenty-four being killed. One British officer and twenty men were killed and three officers and fifty-nine men were wounded. Beyer’s commando attacked a convoy near Krugersdorp on Jan. 8, and was repulsed, eleven being killed. The Bxitisli casualties were trifling’. De Wet recently visited Ms farm, and disinterred two cart loads of ammunition. HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING.

KITCHENER'S PROCLAMATION. THE BRITISH POLICY. (Received Jan. 12, 12.19 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 11. During the general attack on the Delagoa Bay line the Boers penetrated the ,British' lines at Belfast, and engaged in hand-to-hand fighting. The Gordon Highlanders and Royal' Irish finally expelled them. (Received Jan. 12, 12.3? a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 11. Lord Kitchener's proclamation is gradually proving effective. Thera are indications that it has been determined to denude the districts unable to protect themselves and evacuate all towns outside the British lines of communication, and abolish convoys. THE BOER SURRENDEREES. (Received Jan. 12, 12.58 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 11. The Boers who surrendered and were placed in refuge camps are cheerfully assisting the British to recapture stock and punish marauders. THE BOER TACTICS. (Received Jan. 12, 12.58 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 11. Botha and Viljoen, whenever pressed, retire north to recruit. General Lyttelton is at Belfast, but is unable to follow the enemy in force. THE AUSTRALIAN REINFORCEMENTS. SYDNEY, Jan. 11. The Governments of all the States have! been inundated with' volunteers for the South African Contingent. ADELAIDE, Jan. 11. The War Office has accepted a tender, through the Government, for 300 tons of oaten hay for South -Africa. It wanted 3000 tons, but the conditions of shipment are so stringent that it is doubtful if further trade will be done. SERIOUS ILLNESS OP AN OFFICER. [Per Press Association.l WELLINGTON, Jan. 11. Sir Alfred Milner cables that Lieutenant Alexander Ross, of "Christchurch, is dangerously ill at Pretoria with enteric fever. Lieutenant Ross is a member of the Third Contingent.

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT. TWENTY CANTERBURY MEN REJECTED. [Pm Peess Association.] \ . WELLINGTON, Jan. 11. There are 426 men in camp at Newtown, including 18 returned troopers. The Contingent has been divided into five com-, panics. Nos. 1 and 2 Wellington and Nelson, No. 3 Otago, No. 4 Canterbury, No. 5 Auckland. Instructions have been received by cable to include in its strength seven members of the Federal Contingent and thirteen of the men nov returning in the Orient. Twenty of the Canterbury detachment were rejected on the riding test and have left camp. One man rejected for want of horsemanship was a returned trooper and another returned trooper is in danger of being set aside for a similar reason. Neither was in any previous New Zealand contingent, both having enlisted in Cape corps. Colonel Gordon, in reply to an inquiry, stated that the reason that the Canterbury men were not put through the riding test , before they left for Wellington was chat the majority of them did not arrive in Christchurch until, just in time to catch the steamer for Wellington, and in respect to the others, he had no horses at his disposal with which to carry out the necessary tests. On Wednesday evening Trooper' F. H. Baylis, who has been selected for active service with the Rough Riders in South Africa; was entertained at a smoke concert in the West Melton School by the members of the Waimak-ariri Mounted Rifles. 1 Despite a very short notice, there was an excellent attendance, some 45 members of the coips being present, and Captain A. Bailey occupied the chair. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been duly honoured the Chairman proposed the health of Trooper Baylis. The toast was enthusiastically received, and was drunk with musical honours. Mr Baylis expressed his' thanks for the good wishes extended to him, and promised to do his best to uphold the reputation of the corps. Songs were sung by Sergeant-Major Jackson/ and ’ Messrs Welburn, Coggan, Roberts, and Henderson, and a very pleasant evening was spent. Trooper Baylis left for oamp on Thursday morning. THE CANTERBURY TROOP. The twenty-five men who are going from Christchurch to join the Canterbury Rough Riders in South Africa are now in camp in the Drihshed grounds and will not leave for Wellington until Tuesday evening.