LATEST WAR CABLES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11275, 19 January 1900, Page 5

LATEST WAR CABLES.

For the first time for several days, ve hear something authentic respecting the movements of General Buller and General Wan-en. The Times' correspondent states that Lord Dundonalcl, on the 10th occupied the hills above Potgieter's Drift, completely surprising the Boers. The next moveoent was by Major-Gene-ral Lyttelton, whoso brigade crossed the river, and opened fire on the Boei , trenches with Howitzers. General Warren's forco crossed the river at Triehardt's Drift, five miles higher up the river, without opposition. These drifts, cr crossings, are on each side of Zwartz Kop, and right in front of Springfield. It would seem, therefore, that Euller's army and Warren's are within easy co-operating distance. There must be an immediate battle, because both armies can now advance to Dewdrop, and thence to Ladysmith. The Boer forces are at present in considerable numbers in the Coles-1 berg district. Probably most of those under arms in this locality are Cape Boers, who have cast in their lot with their countrymen, with detachments of Free State troops. General French has, however, been able to do something more than hold his own, although his men have been kept incessantly skirmishing. The latest affair took place on Monday, when the Boers tried to storm a hill held by a company of the Yorkshire Regiment and a detachment of New Zealanders. The Boers crept from cover to cover to a low wall, which sheltered the British. These, however, bravely as well as wisely, did not wait for the final rush, but leaped over the wall and charged with the bayonet. The Boers were completely routed, with twenty-one killed ;.nd fifty wounded. That is the substance of a Reuter's message, but Lord Roberts, the Commander-in-Chief, in his official report, speaks of the hill being held by the New Zealanders, "a detachment of the Yorkshire Regiment supporting," adding that six of the latter were killed and five wounded. It was at this fight that Sergeant Gourley and Trooper Conn ell lost their lives. The phrase, "Six of the latter were killed," probably should read, "six of the defending force," meaning four of the Yorkshires and fora New Zealanders. Major-Gene-ral French complimented the New Zealanders, not only on this incident but on their conduct since they have taken the field. In this skirmish the New Zealanders were determined to show the Boers that they would not allow them to play the game of Majuba Hill over again.