THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12538, 27 June 1901, Page 6

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

THE KEITZ ENGAGEMENT.

A DESPERATE STRUGGLE.

HAND TO HANI E IIITING. United Press Association—Bj* El«ctrio Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 25. : Details of the at Reitz on June 6 show that the British surprised the convoy and the Boers fled. When the latter saw the fewness of the captors they returned, and, charging with great determination, after desperate fighting succeeded in recapturing the convoy. In the meanwhile Colonel Delisle's mnfbrcements were arriving. The Boers lay under the waggons, firing unflinchingly between the wheels, while some inspanoed and drove off those waggons farthest from the British, who, by splendid gallantry and by pushing amongst the wheels and the traces and poles of the waggons, bayoneted the enemy whenever it was possible. General D'e La 'Rey himself took part in the fighting, and both his neighbouring fighters were killed. The fight ended in a' series of iand-to-land encounters and fierce melees.

THE RAIDERS IN CAPE COLONY. (Received June 27, 1.14 a.m.) LONDON, June 26. In tie House of Commons, Mr Brodrick stated tlab there were between 1000 and 2000 of the enemy in Cape Colony.

DEPARTURE OE NEW ZEALANDERS. LONDON, June 26. Lieutenants Dewar and B. Arthur, and Captain Matthews, New Zeaknders, lave sailed for England. ,\ i : _— BOER BRUTALITY. CAPTURES BY fTHE BRITISH. (Received June 27, 12.14 a.m.) LONDON, June 26. The Boers brutally sjamboked' J. N.P. Botha, 'member for Aldwai North in the Cape Parliament, for voting :for the treason bill, and also burned lis farm. ■ In a .fight at Welgeboow Spruit, Lord Methuen's force killed twenty-six Boers, took some prisoners, and made a large capture of grain' and forage.' A force of Harrismitl volunteers and Imperial Yeomanry captured upon the farm of Commandant Gerb-Pretorius 100 horses, 200 cattle and 1600 sleep.

AN APPEAL TO THE BOERS. (Received June 27, 12.67 a.m.) LONDON, June 26. Mr Duplessis, Dutch minister of Lindley, is now an inmate* of the Vredtforb Road refuge camp. He denounces Mr Kruger, and appeals to lis countrymen to cease the war. .■''■> '■