PRISONERS NOT DESIRED.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7159, 9 February 1901, Page 4

PRISONERS NOT DESIRED.

A GALLANT DEED OF ARMS,

Trooper W. F. Wilson, Balclutlia, does not deny the soft impeachment that when the First Contingent were operating east of Pretoria, near the Portuguese line, there were times when the class of warfare waged was somewhat barbarous. Prisoners were not desired, and consequently the men j were ordered not to hamper themselves I with them unless a departure from that' ' course would involve cold-blooded j slaughter. This order was rendered j imperative owing to the hostile country, ! the shortness of rations, and the fact that the force was a mounted i one, and speed was an essen* | tial in dealing with the mobile foe. 1 There were times, however, when Briton i and Boer performed deeds emulative of the highest chivalry of olden times. Such an incident came under Trooper I Wilson's observation at a place south of Barborton. A patrol of thirty New | Zealanders surprised a body of the enemy. At ihe fiist volley a Boer fell wounded. His comrades" retreated in order to take up a position a little way off—all buc one, who came galloping j back to rescua the wounded man, heed* less of the New Zealanders, although the latter were within thirty yards of him. Our boys were quick to notice the Boer's gallant intention, and, without an order, Iby one consent the muzzles of the | deadly Lee-Metfords were thrown in the air, and the Boer was allowed unmolested :to bear off his wounded comrade, followed by a ringing cheer from the New Zealanders.—Clutha Press.