INDIAN AFFAIRS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14610, 18 February 1908, Page 7

INDIAN AFFAIRS.

LADY DUFFERIN'S FUND. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. CALCUTTA, February 16. LoTd Minto at Calcutta stated that twenty-five million women had been relieved since the inauguration of Lady Dufferin's fund.

THE ZAKKA KHELS EXPEDITION. CALCUTTA, February 16. Colonel Willcocks's expedition has entered the Bazar Valley. The troops were not molested. It is stated that Zakkas are busily constructing sangars higher up tho valley.

OPERATIONS OF THE BRITISH FORCES. (Received February 17, 9.40 p.m.) CALCUTTA, February 17. Major-General Willcocks, with the Second Brigade, reached Walai, the Zakkas' chief village, on Saturday evening, surprising the tribesmen, who did nob expect the troops until Sunday. The natives were thus prevented from garrisoning tho strongest position on the hill above Walai, which the Seaforth Highlanders seized without loss. Snipers killed one Highlander and wounded a gunner during the march through mountain passes. The First Brigade, under General Anderson, captured Chora fort and' village on Saturday night. Pressmen are now permitted to join the expedition. Major-General Willcocks's operations have practically closed the eastern part of the Bazar Valley, cutting off the Zakkas' communication with adjacent tribes. A simultaneous movement- of the two brigades disconcerted tho Zakkas. The effect will be increased if the Landi Kotal column joins hands from the north.