THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4412, 19 July 1901, Page 5

THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

MR STEYN’S ESCAPE. (Received Julv 18, 10.43 p.m.) LONDON. July 18. It is stated by the correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” that Mr Steyn was asleep at Reitz when the place was surprised by Major-General Breadwood’s troops. He escaped in Ids nightshirt, and jumped on a horse. A rifleman tired at him, but missed. HOPES OF PEACE. CAPETOWN, July 17. Sir Gordon Sprigg. the Premier, addressing a Vigilance Committee, said the situation at the Cape was brighter than at any time during the war. Communications were passing between Lord Kitchener and the Cape Ministry, and the result, ho hoped, would be the end of warfare.

It had been impossible, said the Premier, t 0 summon the burgher forces, as the Dutch were untrustworthy', and often rebels at heart. LORD KITCHENER’S OPERATIONS. LONDON, July 18. There are indications that there is a .substratum of truth in the “Daily Mail's” statement as to Lord Kitchener’s intention to form a specially-equipped corps for dealing with the Boers still in the field, inasmuch as the British commander has been sparing his cavalry in favour of yeomanry and colonial roughriders, who are so well suited for finishing the campaign and for police duties.

SHOOTING THE WOUNDED. (Received July 18, 10.43 p.m.) LONDON. July 18. Mr Bennett Burleigh, war correspondent of the “ Daily Telegraph,” states that the killing of wounded on the field at Vlakfontein is not well authenticatsd. The outrage was the work of one or two Boers. MISCELLANEOUS. LONDON, July 17. The clearing-up of the Eastern Transvaal is proceeding steadily. Two thousand refugees are encamped eastward of Pretoria. Trooper G. B. Miller, of the Now Zea. land local forces, has boon appointed a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. WELCOME HOME, PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, July IS. After their official reception to-day the returned troopers were entertained at the Strand Cafe by the local Volunteer officers. The Governor was present. GISBORNE. July 18. Arrangements had been made to give a dozen of the Tagus troopers a g.-od reception this morning, and the Volun, tcers and hands were called out. When ,the steamer arrived, however, it was discovered that only one man was aboard—the others having remained behind at Wellington—and he stepped ashore quietly at the first opportunity. NAPIER, July 18. The Hawke’s Bay section of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents arrived by train to-night. Although it was raining heavily a largo number of people attended. The men were welcomed by Major Chicken, commanding the East Coast Battalion. NELSON. July 18 Fifteen returned troopers arrived this morning by steamer. They were met by th 0 Mayor and! the More Men Fund Committee, and a procession was formed to the Cathedral steps, where a short religions service was held, and speeches of welcome and praise delivered. This evening a concert will b e given in the men’s honour, and to-morrow they are to be invited to the Athletic and Cycling Club’s annual ball. ELTHAM, July 18. Colonel Davies was accorded a hearty reception here, and all along the line. Cheers were given as the train moved out. Special to the “ Times.” - NEW PLYMOUTH, July 18. Colonel Davies, on arrival at Inglewood by train this afternoon, was met by the Mounted Rifles, the Inglewood Rifles, the town band, Mr Nicholls (chairman of the Town Board), visiting Volunteers, leading citizens and members of local bodies. An address of welcome was presented by the chairman on behalf of the people of the district. After Colonel Davies had been drawn, with Mrs Davies, in a carriage by six returned soldiers, he replied to the address. He thought it was the wives and mothers at home who showed the greatest eravery. They had to endure the suspense and uncertainty as to the fate of their loved ones in silence, but for the men on active service it was a picnic. The proceedings were very enthusiastic. Cap, tain Bartlett (also a returned man) then presented a handsome black charger. Royal Guard, sire Vanguard, which, he said, the officers and men of the company hoped would replace the loved animal the colonel lost in _ Africa. Colonel Davies, in replying, said they could hardIv have given anything that would have touched him so deeply, but ho hoped he would bo found on the horse at the head of his men as of old. He had never experienced so much pleasure as when leading the men of the different contingents in the campaign. Tne {.toceedings terminated by the men irawing Colonel and Mrs Davies to their home. In the evening a banquet was tendered to Colonel Davies jn the Parish Hall hy the Mounted Rifles, and was largely attended by local and visiting officers and men and settlers.

When the mail train arrived at New Plymouth, the returning men. Sergeant Paul, Privates Lister and Albert Wei's, were met by the Rifles, Guards and Garrison and escorted) through the town. The men were carried shoulder high- The proceedings were yevy enthusiastic, although the weather was bad.