BATTLE OF THE PIGS.

Mataura Ensign, 1 July 1911, Page 8

BATTLE OF THE PIGS.

SPANISH TROOPS' MISTAKE. A great comedy lies behind the official report sent out from here of an attack by the Anjera Moors upon Spanish troops and of the brilliant victory of the latter in repulsing the enemy (wrote the Tetuan (Morocco) correspondent of the 'Daily Mail' on May 15) The enemy were, in fact, a drove of 500 pigs, which were put to flight by the courageous action of artillery and infantry.

The Spanish Consul himself has confessed that the Anjera did not attack the Spaniards. The facts were these: A Moor had charge of 500 pigs belonging to a Tetuan Spaniard. When the Spanish troops arrived and entrenched themselves the Moor got frightened and drove the pigs to another place in the night.

The pigs, not liking the new place, to where the troops were posted. Their position being surrounded by cork wood, the pigs made a great noise. The Spaniards thought the Anjera had come to attack. The troops began firing and the artillery came into action. The pigs immediately bolted, and the Spanish commander, thinking he had gained a glorious victory, sent a special courier to inform the Spanish Consul that he had had a great success and had killed six of the Anjera. The Spanish Consul informed • the other Consuls and the people of the Spanish "victory."

The Consul to-day had to deny tlio report he had spread and to admit that, the Spanish commdnder, like a modern Ajax, had spent his strength and courage in dreadful war with swine.