CAPE TOWN. (PER NORTH OTAGO TIMES SPECIAL WIRE.) (PER STEAMER AT BLUFF.)

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2201, 21 May 1879, Page 2

CAPE TOWN. (PER NORTH OTAGO TIMES SPECIAL WIRE.) ( PER STEAMER AT BLUFF .)

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The British prestige ii sustained. Another disaster occurred on March 28. A force of 400 men were tent by Colonel Wood to capture several thousand cattle on Llobane mountain. After a sharp encounter, the cattle were being driven off when the newt was received of there being an immense Zulu camp at the foot of the hill, barring the return to the British camp. The column then attempted to retreat by a steep gorge, but I every rook seemed to cover a Zulu. The I horses had to jump perpendicularly down | three and four feet, many of them rolling down the hill, and breaking their legs or their necks, thus impeding the progress of the others until a retreat became a regular stampede. At length the Zulus midst the confusion, rushed on, assegaising large numbers. Next day dense masses of the enemy advanced in perfect order of four columns, to attack Woqd's camp. The Frontier Light Horse, and the Mounted Basutos, advanced to entice the enemy nearer the camp. After firing, they fell back on the camp. The retreat was covered by shells. The enemy, after a temporary confusion, rushed in thousand* on the cattle laager. The 99th and 13th Regiment* made two sorties, inflicting great slaughter. After getting within ten yards of the camp, the eueiny seemed to turn suddenly, retiring simultaneously. The mounted men pursued, slaughtering the enemy for miles. The British loss was— killed 26, wnundod 60, including Major Halkett The Zulus lost between 1500 and 3000. The report about the stoppage ot Sir Bartle Frere by the Boers is untrue. He received a brilliant reception' at Pretoria, and promised the Transvaal a liberal constitution, but refused to abandon annexation. The Prince Imperial is ill at Pieterraaritzburg. Dysentery prevails among the troops at Gingihloro. On April 2nd a large force of Zulus atUcked Lord Ohelmsford at Gingihloro Kraal. The Zulus lost 400 men. The British had four killed and 25 wounded. After the engagement, a flying column, under Lord Chelmsford's personal command, pushed on, relieving Ekowe, the enemy offering no opposition. Colonel Pearson came out to meet the relief column. Twenty-eight deaths have occurred during his occupation of Ekowe, and 126 men at the time the relief supplies arrived, were very much reduced. The whole garrison was muoh enfeebled.