WITH THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11372, 15 May 1900, Page 5

WITH THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT.

DESPERATE BATTLE NEAR '"?'

THABANCHU,

MOUNTED INFANTRY BRIGADE SUR,

PRISED,

1500 BFTISH AGAINST 8000 BOERS.

A GALLANT AND DETERMINED

STAND,

HEAVY BRITISH LOSSES.;

THE PART PLAYED BY THE NEW' ZEALANDERS.

CAPTURE OF NEW ZEALANDERS<

SEVEN ESCAPE AND SEVENTEEN

REPORTED MISSING,

GALLANT FEATS OF OUR LADS.

[DY Ol'lt SPECIAL WAR,

LORD ROBERTS' COLUMN.]

New Zealand Camp,

r, April 3. ,

During tho week ended Saturday, March' 31, the New Zealanders No. 1 Contingent) had one of the most exciting experiences since their arrival in South Africa, on active sen-ice, and again they behaved with cool' ness and bravery. The whole business wasan unfortunate one from the very outset, at! the retirement of the British forces from Thabanchu, a township about 34 miles due east from Bloemfontein. So that your* readers may better understand tho position' and follow the movements of tlio New Zea-' landers in proper sequence, I will as preface* detail the events occurring since the deparlure of the colonials from the main camp at Bloeinfontejn.

It was on Sunday, March 18, that the New" Zealanders 'numbering 100, under Major Robin, Captain Madocks, and Lieutenants Chaytor, Lindsay, Bartlett, mid Hughes, left cam]) for, it was believed, five days. The whole of Colonel Alderson's Brigade moved' off at the same time, and had not proceeded many miles when

A TERRIFIC THUNDERSTORM broke overhead, the rain falling in torrents, and soaking every man. For three-quarters of an hour heavy rain fell, after which the brigade moved further on. The first destination of the New Zealanders was believed to bo tlio waterworks, 21 miles distant, from which placo the water supply of Bloemfou- 1 tein is obtained, Tho brigade bivouacked fort tlio night on the wet veldt, the officers of tho New Zealanders making themselves as comfortablo as possiblo under tho waggon tar- 1 paulins, tho men making tho best of their, waterproof sheets and blankets. Tho brigade consisted of two batteries of artillery (12-pminders), Burmese Mounted Infantry, Roberts' Horse, Third Mounted. Infantry, Lifeguards, South Hussars, Riming Con's, and New Zealanders, somo of the infantry having previously taken up positions near tho waterworks. Everything was quiet as tho New Zealanders passed through tho waterworks, and nothing of importance occurred during the journey to Thabanchu. Colonel Pilcher and about 300 men passed through Thabanchu, journeyed on to Ladybrand, and entered the township without opposition. Ho arrested the landdrost, and endeavoured to get away with several prisoners, but his force was too 1 small. Tho Boers suddenly changed their demeanour, as they have done on previous occasions, intimated that thoy would not submit to Colonel Pilcher's demand, and said that

THEY WOULD TAKE UP ARMS. It then transpired that a fairly large forcehad arrived,presumably from the south, where several commandos had been driven across tho plain, and taken up positions on the ad-i jacent hills. Recognising the danger of hid position, Colonel Pilcher withdrew his force in good order, bringing with him the land-. drost. The New Zealanders merely knew!: that Ladybrand had been occupied by ther British forces, but had no intimation that the' Boers were collecting their forces at the*" town named. They had rather an enjoyable*' time at Thabanchu until Thursday, March 29„ when Major Robin was informed that Colonel Eilcher's forces had been compelled to withdraw from Ladybrand, and that the Boerswere taking up an offensive attitude. At/ daybreak on the day mentioned, Pitcher's force passed the New Zealanders. The force in occupation of Ladybrand had" been compelled to retire under cover of darkness, and 1 had also been forced to march all night tc* escape being cut off by the enemy, who had' shown signs of remarkable activity. A few;' hours later further details arrived. Ib> was reported that Boers to the number of 7000 had collected at Ladybrand, and wore, marching rapidly on Thabanchu. They had 1 several guns, principally Crcusot, and thoi dreaded pom-poms. Numbers of residents had left Ladybrand, and were trekking towards Thabanchu for protection. So rapidly did the Boers concentrate at their laager and: movo westwards, that tho loyalists had to

HURRIEDLY INSPAN, gather clothing and valuables, and depart? for Thabanchu, where it was erroneously believed a strong British force was encamped. One Englishman named Quinn, whoso wifo was in delicate health, had to leave- everything on his farm, and} with his wifo and two children just maw naged to escape being captured by the Boers To those who had shown that they were fa-: vourably inclined to the British forces the Boers showed very little- consideration, and' had they not hurriedly departed would' have been fined, and afterwards commandeered, while wives and children would pro-' bably have received harsh treatment from the, enemy. Some of the farmers had taken ad-, vantage of Lord Roberts' proclamation, and had handed in their arms, but as news of the' movements of the Boers came to hand, many; of the peacefully-inclined residents were afraid' to act contrary to the directions contained in the enemy's proclamation issued as a counterblast to the Field-Mashal's manifesto. Wo also asked them to sign an agreement not to leave the Free State until the war had ter-* minatcd, and in return we would purchase their produce, and allow them to work their* farms.

That evening the camp at Thabanchu wag shifted a mile or so for sanitary reasons, about 40 men, including four New Zealanders, having been sent to hospital. None of the cases were considered serious. Later on again came news that the Boers had followed] Colonel Pitcher's force, and had taken up a position half-way between Thabanchu and Ladybrand. They were reported to be 8000 strong, with 32 guns, and had in turn occupied the farm of the Englishman to whom I have referred, and also taken over tho flour mills belonging to another loyalist, named Pilcher. All went well during the night, and on Friday: morning a mail arrived for tho Newt Zealanders. As tho colonials were reading letters from relatives and friends in New Zealand, word came that horses were to bo saddled, and kits packed as soon as possible. It was not anticipated that tho Boers would attack the camp, but it was deemed advisy , able to be , VU> " '■'''-

PREPARED IN CASE OF SURPRISE. : -M While these preparations were being made;;.; by, our forces, the Boers were not idle. '..'■' Ap\ patently unknown to ■ General Broadwood,! who was in command, they had shoved thei|(i ■>•■ '--■■ !.■■ - •■ ■;.' ..-•-'.'

inain/body closer, to the British lines, while * they J had also commenced to carry out a ' clever? flanking ; movement), ' their intention being to surround and cut off the forces at -Thabanchu/. It was known that the enemy ':■ were ' active, 5 , and orders were issued during the s afternoon of Friday, 30th, that ? .the waggons /. were -to.;, be sent back over the veldt to ai. neck between a range of kopjes > half-way.: between the position _ Thabanchu and Bloemfontein. Horsesi':wero;left saddled, and all the men -were told to prepare to bivouac for the night. •The bivouac did not eventuate, however, for the Boors'coming nearer' and nearer, it was deemed advisable to withdraw the forces to the waterworks. Intimation had previously been forwarded to Bloemfontein to the effect' that the British force was not strong enough to hold the place against the Boers. All told, our force numbered about 1400, and as the Boers were about six to one, it meant ANNIHILATION TO REMAIN. It was an anxious time waiting for , instructions, but at last orders came that the .brigade would march from camp to the waterworks, about halfway between Thabanchu and Bloemfontein. The brigade moved off at the time appointed, and arrived at the waterworks at four o'clock on the morning of Saturday, March 31, and bivouacked at once on the Bloemfontein side or the Modder River. The waggons had arrived about two hours previously, but did not come into contact with the, main body. The men were not allowed to sleep on the veldt for long, for at a-quartcr to six a.m. ,the camp. was SUDDENLY AWAKENED BY RIFLE FIRE

from across the river. This lasted for about 10 minutes, but in that short time it was recognised that the Boers had worked up quietly with -the intention of surrounding the camp, and that the position of the British forces was a very dangerous one. About this time Sergeant Pitt (Auckland) turned up with a Cape cart filled with mails from -New Zealand. Needless to say, the mails were not delivered, and Pitt was told to rejoin the convoys and journey back with them. He had already met them, and had teen turned bade by them. Despite the fact that rifle fire showed the Boers, to be close, preparations for breakfast were continued, and as the men had had nothing to eat for 12 hours, it would have taken a good deal to shift them until their hunger had been satisfied. The order to "saddle-up' f was given, and obeyed promptly. This had scarcely been done when A HEAVY SHELL FIRE WAS OPENED ON THE CAMP. The Boers made splendid practice, and plugged shell after shell among the horses, but the shells did not burst well, and at this stage very little damage was done. Still it was deemed advisable to retire. Some of the New Zealanders hastily wrapped their precious letters into bundles, and shoved them into wallets or haversacks, but many were placed in a bag and thrown into the Cape cart, in which Sergeant Pitt was seated. Major Robin and Captain Madocks recognised that the position was a serious one, but few dreamt that the Boers had another unpleasant surprise in store for the brigade, a surprise that was to prove disastrous to our forces. Lieutenants Chaytor (Blenheim), Lindsay (Christehurch), Bartlett (Hawera), and Hughes (Napier) were in command of divisions, and behaved splendidly throughout, even when tho New Zealanders dropped into

ONE OF THE HOTTEST CORNERS they had'ever been in since the commencement of the campaign. The convoy, with Roberts' Horse as escort, were in advance of the two batteries of artillery, the Tenth Hussars, Lifeguards, 3rd Mounted Infantry, and Now Zealanders being in the brigade. While the convoys and brigado moved forward towards Bloemfontein, they aporoached a donga, the first of a series of three which had to be crossed before the open veldt was reached. It was here that the surprise was effected. As the waggons arrived at the donga, the occupants, principally New Zealanders, who had taken advantage of the opportunity of a pleasant ride lo Bloemfontein, were astounded tj see ' that the Boers were in possession of this position. As the waggons rumbled slowly down the incline, the Boers suddenly shot out, and called on tho occupants to stop. Ono look down and up the%nga, and it was recognised that the British forces were in a tight corner. The Boers approached and ordered them to lay down their amis. Some did so. and the waggon drivers were then ordered to cross the donga, and take up a position on the other side of the donga. No proper advance guard had been thrown out, and some of the men were resting on the waggons with their carbines and bandoliers unslung. The surprise was most complete, and many were simply paralysed with astonishment. Up to this time no engagement had taken place, and the Boers must have thought that guns, waggons, and men were theirs. But they had a brave and determined lot of men to deal with, as they were shortly to discover. Some of the convoys were allowed to be taken over by the Boers, but when those in charge of the two Batteries saw that there was every risk of all the guns being captured, a different complexion Was placed on matters, and a fearful scene was enacted. The Royal Horse made desperate attempts to save the guns, and get them in a position where they could have come into action. The Boers recognising this', and determined to frustrate all efforts to escape, poured in an awful fusillade from the donga, and did great damage. Men, horses, and mules fell as rapidly as grain before the reaper, and for a few moments it looked as. though the whole force would be annihilated, the guns captured, and the convoy of 80 waggons lost. Then the firing lulled, as some of the Lifeguards rode up, " Stop. Throw down your aims!" shouted one of the Boer leaders, as his men approached the Household Cavalry. "I'll see you in hell first," answered one of the Lifeguardsmen, and placing the muzzle of his carbine near the ,Bocr's mouth, he fired, and nearly

BLEW IKS OPPONENT'S HEAD OFF. He hastily reloaded, killed another Boer, and then clubbina; his carbine, lie smashed in the skull of a third. Some of the cavalry attempted to get, round the Boers' flank, those on the convoy who had given up their arms endeavoured to escape, and the others tried to make the donga ton warm for the enemy. But fully a thousand men were posted in the best possible positions, well protected from our fire, and could have kept back three times the force opposing them. Then from the right flank came

ANOTHER HAIL OF BULLETS, while the Boer guns over the Modder River were /throwing shell after shell uncomfortably near the New Zcalanders. Three pom-poms spat forth their leaden missives of death, and the carnage was awful. Some of the Royal Horse guns were put into action, and a gallant stand was made. The guns in the donga, of course, could not be saved, but those halted a few hundred yards wero loaded and fired, and fired again until there was 7 scarcely a. gunner left to work them. A sergeant of the Royal Horse brought a gun out of the donga in the bravest possible, manner. He appeared to be the only man left, and despite the fact that the Boers fired at him again and again, he lashed the horses until, frantic with pain, they dashed lip the incline. One of the wheel horses was shot dead, but so great was the impetus, that the gun' and horse wore dragged away to a place of safety. I sincerely hope the sergeant was spared to receive some reward for such a gallant deed. THE NEW ZEALANDERScovered the initial retreat in masterly style, and officers and men did splendid work. Before they left the column and deployed in a southerly direction to prevent the Boers completely surrounding the British forces, the Mounted Infantry moved up close to the donga, where they and Roberts' Horse engaged the enemy, and suffered heavily in consequence. Again Hid again they, endeavoured to dislodge the enemy, but reinforcements from the main body of the Boers came up, and the gallant attempts of the British forces resulted in failure. Many New Zealanders were on or accompanying the waggons, and were amongst the first to be captured by the Boers. Though they were compelled to thrown down their arms, they apparently did not intend to go quietly to Pretoria, and with the intuition ; that -a' campaign of this description develops to an extraordinary degree, every man knew that his comrade intended making a determined dash for liberty. ..'" l Sergeant Pitt' (Auckland), who was seated ...in the Capo cart containing the New Zea- . land mails, was among the first to be captured. He was utterly defenceless; but,

despite this fact, he did not journey to Pretoria. As the New Zealanders and others were taken by the; Boers, the fight raged, and as some of the waggons were between the Boers' and Mounted Infantry, the prisoners found themselves in the centre of a cro«8 fire, and in great danger of being • either killed or wounded. At last the Boers succeeded in working round, so that the waggons and guns were behind them, and as they

OUTNUMBERED OUR FORCE by fully six to one, they retained possession of their prizes without great difficulty. The whole of Q Battery were engaged with the Boers at very close quarters, some say at less than 80yds, and they suffered fearfully. They hung to the guns as long as they could, and fought with the determination of desperate men. Volley after volley was poured in by the enemy, until nearly every saddle was empty, every horse shot,' and every gunner stretched bleeding on the veldt. The guns were served as long as men remained to do the work, and when most of his comrades lay groaning with pain, or silent in death, one gunner, when called upon to surrender, yelled out, " No, I won't, you .^ If you want the gun, come and tako it." Then he loaded with skill and succeeded in firing the gun, before a bullet went crashing through his brain, and he sank down to die amongst his gallant comrades. Right along the firing lines deeds of heroism were performed, and our men FOUGHT GALLANTLY FOR FIVE HOURS. Of the two batteries of artillery only five guns wero saved, the remaining seven falling into the Boers' hands. Q Battery lost every man with the exception of tho Major and Sergeant-Major, while U Battery also suffered severely. They, however, were placed in a more advantageous position than the other battery, and managed to withdraw with the loss of one gun. The Boers meanwhile had worked round in a northwesterly direction, and were engaged in executing a flanking movement on the right —that is, south-west of their front—with tho intention of completely surrounding the British force. BRAVE NEW ZEALANDERS. It was here that the New Zealanders displayed that coolness and courage that have characterised their movements when under heavy fire, and in a dangerous position. Major Robin ordered Lieut. Hughes to take up a position on the British force's right flank, and prevent the Boers from working round. Captain Madocks, with Lieuts. Chaytor and Lindsay, were told off to take up positions on the extreme right flank, and Major Robin, Lieut. Bartlett, and the latter's division were assisting in covering the retreat of the main body. Noting this movement, the Boers sent out reinforcements with the idea of forcing the New Zealanders in, but the latter stuck to their positions and replied to the volleys of the Boers with interest. Lieut. Hughes was instructed by a staff officer to cover the retreat aucThold on to the position as long as possible. This order was carried out to the letter, the Boers evidently being greatly surprised at the stubbom resistance made. Captain Madocks. with Lieuts. Lindsay and Bartlett, worked slowly in, always holding the enemy in check", and thus relieved the pressure on Lieut. Hughes' small force. Two of the New Zealanders' horses were shot, and one man, Trooper Byrne (Timaru), appeared to be in a dangerous position, when Hughes, noting the man's plight, rode up to him and told him to get up in front, and thus officer and man doublebanked until they reached a place of safety. Tho retirement was carried out slowly and in SPLENDID ORDER. The New Zealanders would gallop about a quarter of a mile, rapidly dismount and pour a volley into the Boers as they advanced, while another party of New Zealanders would retire as their comrades fired. Then those who had ceased firing would gallop back another quarter mile, while the others held the enemy In check, and this went on until our boys were out of range of both rifle fire and shells.

Tho New Zealanders eventually held a kopje about four miles from where tho waggons and guns were captured, and soon the -Mounted Infantry, Rimington's Scouts, Roberts' Horse, Lifeguards, Tenth Hussars, Canadians, and Queenslanders (the two latter had been sent out early on Saturday morning), Now Zealanders, and the remains of the two batteries had gathered together at this point, where the Brigade was formed up. Many of the New Zealanders were missing, and it was feared that several had been cither killed or wounded, but no definite information except that they had been captured by the Boers could be obtained as to their fate. THE MISSING MEN. The missing men were Quartermaster-Ser-geant Berland (Christchurch), Sergeant Harris (Wellington), Troopers Valentino (Hawera). Pope (Waikato), Tarrant (Auckland), Miller (Masterton), Wvllie (Wangaum), Powell (Wangamri), Jewell (Auckland), Catheral (Hastings). Franklin (Hastings), Heenan (Riversdale, Southland), Prosper (Christchurch), Butters (Wellington), Cossar (Christchurch), Palmer (Dunedin), and Waldie (Dunedin), 17 in all. A PLUCKY ACT. Trooper Coutts (Taranaki) escaped in a most marvellous manner, and while escaping performed a very plucky act. While galloping away under heavy fire, he met a noncom, of the Burmese Mounted Infantry, who had been shot. The bullet had entered the right breast and gone right through the man's body, coming out near the left shoulder blade. Noting his plight, Coutts, with the assistance of another New Zealander, managed to get the wounded man in front of him, and as the non-com. sank into semi-consciousness, Coutts started off, and managed to bring the wounded man to a house near Bushman's Kop, where he was handed over to the officers in charge of the ambulance. The man, whose name was Edgar, rallied after Coutts had carried him half the distance, then lapsed into an unconscious state, so that the New Zealander had not only to hold his companion in the saddle, but had to support the whole weight of the man. It was a plucky deed, and Edgar stated that had the colonial not come to his rescue, he must have died on the veldt. I have since heard that Edgar lias died in hospital. Several of the Burmese Mounted Infantry, who belong to various regiments in England, have said to me that it was one of the pluckiest incidents of the campaign, and 'that they hope the New Zealander will be suitably rewarded for his bravery. Sergeant Pitt, who also escaped, had

AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE. When captured lie was in the Cape cart containing the New Zealandcrs' mails. Shortly after one of the foreign attaches was wounded, and one of the Boer leaders told the Aucklander to convey the wounded official to a farmhouse a short distance away. Pitt did as instructed, oiitspanned at the house, and camped there for the night. Several Dutch fanners had congregated at this point, and were apparently waiting for permission to return to their farms. Pitt met a German attache, who said that if the New Zealander did not wish to go to Pretoria, he could accompany the official as servant. To this Pitt agreed, making the proviso that he : dcred himself free to escape if possible. This was on Saturday. On Sunday morning the farmers commenced to inspan and depart for their farms. Pitt followed their example, but instead of taking the same direction as the others, he headed for Blocmfontcin, and arrived at the New Zealandcrs' camp during the afternoon. He was received with cheers, as were the others who had managed to escape from the Boers.

TROOPER McCAULY, OF AUCKLAND,

who was captured when the waggons were taken, found himself in the centre of a heavy cross fire. Turning to another prisoner, he exclaimed, It can't be hotter than this on the open, and I'm going to have a cut for it. Here's for home!" Jumping off the waggon bo ran across the veldt, and though the bullets fell thick and fast, he managed to escape, joining Troopers Hahn (Christchurch) and Newdick (Auckland), near a small house. The two latter made good use of their carbines, and rattled in shot after shot, emptying many Boer saddles, and gaiuing the praise of an officer who stood near. They kept at it until a favourable opportunity for escape arrived, when they rode to a place of safety and returned to camp very much exhausted but uninjured. Trooper Ronton (Balctathn) succeeded in bringing out Trooper

Nairn when the latter had . lost'.his horse, and ; under: heavy fire ' brought' his comrade to a position safe from the Boer' bullets. v -- These are but a few of thefv'vf'. 5 :■

STARTLING INCDENTS ? that ' occurred and deeds of ; bravery performed that day. • The Burmese Mounted Infantry, Roberts' Horse, and Third Mounted Infantry, behaved splendidly. > Despite the fact that gunners and riders of the R.H.A. were being shot down all around them, that horses were falling near and far, throwing their riders headlong on the veldt, they battled bravely until the retirement could be made in good order. When it is considered that there were 7000 Boers against less than 2000 British, it will be recognised that (to avoid a rout the British forces must have displayed conspicuous gallantry. Officers, including New Zealanders, never lost their heads for a moment, orders were given promptly and carried out smartly. There might have been indescribable confusion. There was

NOTHING APPROACHING DISORDER, even at the most critical point. The New Zealanders, as I have stated, lost 17 men (nine from No. 1 and eight from No. 2 Companies), reported as missing. I have made careful inquiries, and have been unable to discover any combatant who saw a New Zealander either killed or wounded, so that the merciful Providence that has enabled our men to escape from the most dangerous positions may have still protected our boys from harm. Possibly a cable may be despatched from Pretoria to New Zealand before these lines appear in print. The Mounted Infantry lost about 90 men. Roberts' Horse a similar number, the Q and U Batteries were badly cut up, Burmese Mounted Infantry lost heavily, and Lifeguards and Rimington's are reported to have lost about 60 between them. Our total casualties amounted to nearly 400, or about one-third of the total fighting strength. We also lost seven guns and about 80 waggons. After our forces had retired and collected, the Boers took possession of the waterworks and cut off the water supply of Bloemfontein, Their long-range Creusot and pom-poms still kept pounding away, but no further damage was done. A RELIEF COLUMN UNDER GENERAL

FRENCH, which included portion of the First Cavalry Brigade, moved out on Saturday afternoon and engaged the enemy. We had then about 10,000 (7th Division) men, and when the Boers saw the force opposed to them, they quickly vacated their position at the waterworks and retired on Thabanchu. The Queenslanders and Canadians who had been holding a position near the New Zealanders, took a prominent part in the second engagement, and had about 12 and 20 casualties respectively. The British losses were ever 400; the Boer losses about 200. Among the

NEW ZEALANDERS WHO ESCAPED fiom near the waggons were Troopers Peebles, Joyce (who was on the ambulance van, but jumped off when the Boers surrounded tho convoy) Bowie and Boucher. Heenan, who was captured, was also in the ambulance, but was too ill to move. The prisoners were sent north, and are to be conveyed to Pretoria. The guns and waggons are to be sent to Kroonstadt, where a stubborn resistance will probably be made by the Boers. As I write, one division is holding the enemy in check west, another north-west, and another north. Gatacre's and Clements' columns are expected to arrive here on Wednesday, The New Zealanders returned safely to camp and are now resting. Remounts have not yet been obtained. Some of the officers and nearly all.the men who took part in the engagement lost their kits, which had been placed in the waggons. Requisitions have been sent in'to the Supply Department for fresh clothes, blankets, and other necessaries.

Before closing this budget, which, on account of mail closing, has had to be written in haste, let me mention the splendid services rendered by Dr. Burns, of Dunedin, in the recent engagements. The doctor works like a Trojan, and pays attention not only to New Zealanders, but to any sick or wounded officer or soldier he finds mi tCe battlefield or in camp. Captains Madocks and Ward are journeying to the Cape for a short rest, THE THIRD CONTINGENT. FROM ALBANY TO DURBAN,

D'ROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.}

Dr/Riuy, March 20, 1900,

The Knight Templar, with the New Zealand Rough Eiders, expect to reach Durban on March 20. All on board are anxious for news, and also whether they are to land or to go further. With one exception all are well.

Corporal Richards, of No. 1 Company, was yesterday sent to the hospital attacked with influenza. All hope to see the corporal well enough to be about again by the time the contingent moves off.

Lieutenant Cameron had an attack of pneumonia, but is well and about again now.

Up to the time of writing eight horses have been put overboard, and two more are unfit and will have to be destroyed. The voyage has tried the animals- severely, and it is very noticeable that the weakest of them go, and the better horses look just as well as when they left Lyttelton. A very striking feature is that the horses fare worst on the port side of the vessel, all the deaths occurring on that side, which may bo accounted for by its being the weather side. Including the mare which went mad three or four days after leaving port, No. 1 Company has lost three horses and No. 2 Company five horses. The passage from .Albany has been unusual as regards the weather. The captain appears delighted and has accomplished the voyage in four days less than he expected. We only passed one vessel.

At Albany several of the men provided themselves with cards, draught and chess boards, and other games, and thus had ample amusement for the latter part of the voyage. Song books were also purchased, and more music was indulged in. St. Patrick's Day was celebrated with a concert on deck. The piano was hauled up, and a large electric illumination was erected by the chief engineer. The enterprising secretary drew up and posted several elaborate programmes all over the ship, including songs and dances, instrumental solos on the piano, flute, violin, and mandolin. Of the songsters Bugler Strachan was favourite with "They're A Comin' on Again." Lieutenant Berry was very popular with "Tommy Atkins." The officers amused themselves with the piano on the quarter-deck on Monday evening. The evening was very enjoyable ; they afterwards entertained the officers of the ship with a farewell smoke in the saloon.

The chief officer deserves especial credit for the obliging assistance he rendered to all whenever appealed to.

For the cleanliness of the troop the officer commanding ordered bathing parades occasionally, each man having to pass under a hose. All, more especially the lookers on, enjoyed this very much.

The horses arc now all shod in the front, feet, the hind having to be left till they go on shore.

The adopted "war cry," which is practised daily, is as follows, viz. : Kin kalis hi (be strong, yes) ! Ida toa hi (be brave, yes) ! Puritoa to mana o te Kuini, hi, hi, ha (uphold the supremacy of our Queen, yes, yes, ha).

Captain and Adjutant Bourn, of the South Canterbury Battalion, has been appointed to" the command of No. 1 Company vice Captain Rose.' resigned. Lieutenant Lewin, an attached officer, has been acting from Albany. Captain Bourn takes command on the landing of the troop. It was thought to apply for an Imperial officer to fill the vacancy, but the general wish was in favour of our own officer. He was, therefore, given the preference.

March 23. -after waiting until yesterday morning at anchor, at Durban roadstead, orders were

received to proceed to East London, a port | 260 miles south. We are now on our way ■ there After a very rough night we find ■ ourselves 40 miles beyond our destination I and are now steaming back along the coast looking for the port. Jhe general impression is that we will have to swim our horses to land, the Knight Templar drawing 100 much water to allow her to berth,. ■