THE SIEGE OF KIMBERLEY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6626, 19 February 1900, Page 2

THE SIEGE OF KIMBERLEY.

It was a thoughtful action of the Home authorities to mark the termination of the siege of Kimberley with the promotion of Lieut.-General French, in command of the relieving force, and Lieufc.Colonel Kekewich, chief of the forces in the besieged town. The investment of Kimberley was completed by the Boers on 15th October, and for 125 days the gallant defenders held the position, keeping their opponents at bay by means of brilliant sorties, conducted with conspicuous success, although of course these operations were not conducted without considerable loss. So long ago as 22nd November, Lord Methuen's column of some ten thousand advanced to the relief of the diamond town from the Orange River, and as they defeated the Boers at Belmont a speedy march was predicted. On the 29th the battle between Lord Methuen's and Commandant Cronje's troops at Modder river took place, and the latter retired to Magersfontein. The defeat of Lord Methuen's troops took place on December 14th, and they were compelled to retire to Modder river. The operations of Lord Roberts and General French have been rapid and decisive, and news will be anxiously awaited of the fighting between these forces and Commandant Cronje's army, which must number 20,000. It must be a great battle, as upon its result will almost surely depend the speedy termination of the war.