ZULU REBELLION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13192, 1 June 1906, Page 5

ZULU REBELLION.

CHARGES BY REBELS.

HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING. By Telegraph.— Association.— Copyright(Received May 31. 18.20 p.m.) ' ' PIETERMARITZBURG, May 31. Colonel Vanderpeank, commanding the Zululand Mounted Rifles, and some of the Natal Carbineers and native levies, under Lieutenants London and Shepstone, lias carried out successful operations in the Mpulu district. The rebels, who were in force, made a determined resistance. They twice charged the native levies, but were repulsed after hand-to-hand fighting. Thirty-five of them were killed by rifle or assegai. The troops concentrated at Dundee have begun a .general forward movement. COLONEL LEUCHAES' ENGAGEMENT. HOW THE HILL WAS HELD. DESPERATE COURAGE OF THE REBELS. ■'■■■ (Received May 31. 10.20 p.m.) PIETERMARITZBURG, May 31. Further details are to hand of the engagement between a force under Colonel Leuchars and the rebels 'at Bonkinyoni Hill, a few days ago. Colonel Leuchars' camp was on a hill. The European troops formed two sides of a square about the camp, and the Sibindi natives the other two sides. 'The rebels made a succession of rushing and daring attacks, and resorted to various ruses to get to close quarters. They attacked from all sides.

They moved a herd of cattle against one side of the square as a screen, and co break the formation. This point, however, was held by the Umvoti Mounted Rifles, and their volleys checked the onrush of both cattle and Zulus. The whole British position was soon surrounded. Colonel Leuchars then placed riflemen at intervals among the Sibindi natives, to assist in protecting those sides of the square. Though the rifle fire of the rebels was good, the British casualties were insignificant. The colonial troopers fired lying behind their saddles. MARTIAL LAW. IMPERIAL. INTERFERENCE SUGGESTED. (Received May 31. 10.38 p.m.) , London, May 31. In the House of Commons last night, Mr. : Byles and Major . Se.ely suggested that the Colonial Office should bring pressure to bear on the Government of Natal to terminate martial law. Mr. Churchill, in reply, said the continuance of . martial law must necessarily be governed by the continuance of a state of serious rebellion, and the need for military operations. This reply was received by the Opposition with cheers.