A LETTER FROM THE FRONT

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4262, 23 January 1901, Page 2

A LETTER FROM THE FRONT

SERGEANT BE Z Ait WRITES HOME. From Koekemoer, S.A., under date 25th November, Sergeant F. YV. Bezar, of the New Zealand Battery, says: There has been no writing for the last few days, for wo have been outside the ordinary’lines of communication. Wo aro at this very Maori-like-named place, guarding a railway bridge. It is about fifteen miles from Poehefstroom. The Royal Engineers are repairing it. This bridge was blown up by the Boers in July last. It is expected to bo finished in a few days, when the line will ho clear through from Johannesburg to Klerksdorp. Whilst out yesterday cxeicising the horses, we came "across au electric fuse about 200 yards long, but apparently it had refused to.net. There ■are not many of the enemy hereabouts, but it is thought that General Lindburg is hovering not far away with a small commando-; but, that some arc near there can be no doubt, for they raptured a Bushman yesterday who ventured out of bounds; hut we retaliated this morning by capturing three- of their scouts, who aro now left to repent in a little tent, named ‘‘ Safe Retreat.” They will bo transferred to Klerksdorp on the first opportunity. We sent three Cape buys on Friday to mind the mules on the veldt; but, alas, only two of them and fifteen out of twenty mules came back. We are under a Major Williams just now, detached from General Douglas. Our’ Battery has gained a- very good name. My training in the Permanent Artillery has stood me in good need. I am A 1 but for my sight, which is improving; but I cannot venture out in the sun without glasses. I am of opinion that we shall put in Christmas hero or at Poehefstroom. Our extras on that festive occasion may be a lot of rum or a "plug of smoke. Wo have had sonic more lively weather, but as we now enjoy the luxury of tents wo do not mind it very much. The water here is very fishy; its colour prevents us seeing the little beggars until they succumb to the heat, then they float on the surface. Did I tell you, if not, you, of course, must have read of the" shooting by the Boers of seventy-five Kaffirs and Cape boys when they took Klerksdorp. They buried them, or, rather, threw them into caves, close to the town. I went up the other day to have a look through the caves. What a gruesome sight! And as they were not all decomposed, you can readily understand the state of the atmosphere thereabouts. That an °ofc which the Kaffirs are not likely to forgot readily. The surrendering of that place to forty-five Boers and only eighteen of them'armed, was one of those strange things which need a lot- of exphv . ; on to convince people that it was the '■ * t thing to do, especially when we tab. into account the fact that the defending force had in stock 300,000 rounds of small arm ammunition and 3000 rounds of 15-pounder ammunition, which, of course, was partly used against us as we went up to it. The civilians were furious; they all Had to report themselves every morning up to the 16th, when we entered. lam sorry to say one of our prisoners escaped last night. (What abont the “ Safe Retreat ?”) Trouble is in store for some one. . I hear the First Contingent are off homelucky dogs! Well, they richly deserve a good spell. December 3rd.—The bridge is now completed, and trains run over it daily. I Have nothing further to add this time, so wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a 'Happy New Year, I will ring off.