SOUTH AFRICAN WAR.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2293, 5 January 1900, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICAN WAR.

Capbtows, Dec. 29. Mr Winston Churchill estimates that the total Boer losses are 2,000. He says that there is great depression among all classes of the enemy. Their last reserves have been called out, and there are many deserters from the ranks. He advises the British to employ 250,000 troops and many guns, or •Ise a large mounted force. There are 16.000 Boers l*tween Colenso and Springfield (alwut twenty miles to the west of the former ¥<% town situated on the Tujela River), t and 8000 to the south of Ladysmith. The enemy are erecting fresh siege guns in place of those which have been destroyby the British during their various sorties from Ladysmith. The British captured six waggon ; loads of stores which had been consigned to Boers by the Natal Dutch. General White heliographs that he can safely bold Ladysmith for at least ■ix weeks. General Buller is awaiting the arrival of a siege train before advancing. Heavy rains followed by extreme heat, have lieen experienced in Natal. The thermometer registered 104deg in j fcv] the shade at Ladysmith. The Tugela River is rising. This jp jwill facilitate the catching of the Jjf. : eaemy south of the river, the bridg& . • 1 having previously been destroyed with a wow to this object. * The South, Wajqa Lanceis parti ticipated in General Methuen's recent reconnaissance, when six of the enemy's fm. guns were unmasked. # The farmers in the neighbourhood of j the British forces are friendly, and j attend General Methuen's market for j the buying and selling of provisions. Berlin, Dec. 29. The German authorities in West Africa are taking steps to prevent the Boers from recruiting in German territory. i