THE WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12736, 13 December 1904, Page 5

THE WAR

SIEGE OF TOT ARTHUR.

BATTLE OF METRE HILL.

THE RUSSIANS' FINE DEFENCE By Telegraph—Press Association Copyright,

(Received December 13, 12.12 a.m.) London, December 12. The correspondent of the Daily Telegraph with General Nogi's army describes the fighting that preceded the capture of Metre Hill.

He says the defensive arrangements of the Russians at Kekwan and Erhlungshan were magnificently executed. Reserves were massed everywhere to prevent the garrison of the forts retiring.

After the Japanese had penetrated the enceinte of Metre Hill fort, the Russians poured in an enfilading fire and expelled them. „

CASUALTIES AMONG JAPA-

NESE OFFICERS.

London - , December 11.

A further list of Japanese officers killed at Port Arthur, which has been published, includes the name of Colonel Hattsri. In addition 48 are mentioned as having been wounded.

SUFFERINGS OF THE

GARRISON.

BOOTLESS AND FROSTBITTEN.

London, December 11.

The Russian correspondents give appalling accounts of the hardships endured by the soldiers of the garrison at Port Arthur.

Their clothes are mere rags ; they are bootless, and their feet are bruised and frostbitten. Their feet are bound with pieces of skin or cloth tied with string. After engagements the Russians strip the bodies of the slain Japanese to get their clothing and boots.

The Japanese soldiers taunt the Russian soldiers with being ragged men.

BOMBARDING THE WAR-

SHIPS.

SEVASTOPOL TAKES SHELTER.

London, December 11.

In the bombardment of Friday the Russian cruiser Bayan was nearly capsized. She heeled over 25 degrees. The battleship Sevastopol has moved to the. outer roadstead to escape the shells.

. (Received December 13, 12.12 a.m.) London, December 12, The bombarding of the warships at Port Arthur is being continued. The whereabouts of the destroyers' is doubtful. i "'

THE SAIYEN'S ACCIDENT.

London, December 11.

The Japanese coast defence vessel Saiyen, which struck, a mine on November 3 and sank, was engaged on blockade work at Port Arthur when the accident happened. Of her crew 38 men were drowned.

iArayeiAn CAMPAIGN.

MORE SKIRMISHING.

(Received December 33, 12.12 a.m.) London, December 12. Skirmishes have taken place on the Shaho, and both sides claim successes.