THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4426, 5 August 1901, Page 5

THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

OPERATIONS IN THE EASTERN « DISTRICTS. (Received August 4, 4.54 p.m.) LONDON, August 3. Major-General Elliott’s columns were frequently sniped at while marching between Bethlehem. Reitz. Frankfort and Klerksdorp. Farming was everywhere in evidence, but the majority of the farmers deserted their homes on news of the British advance, and preceded the columns under protection of Noster's commando. The captures included sixty prisoners, many cattle and thousands of horses, arms and ammunition. Some of the Istter were found buried. “CONTINUE FIGHTING.” KRUGER’S MESSAGE TO BOTHA. (Received August 4, 4.54 p.m.) LONDON, August 3. The censor stepped the following message from Reuter’s correspondent at Standerton on July sthDriving in a cart with four greys. General Botha and his secretary recently brought to Colonel Walter Kitchener at Platrand Mr Kruger’s reply to General Botha’s proposal for surrender as follows, addressed to Botha, De Wet, De la Rey, and Steyn : 1 Continue fighting. Alleviation will bo sent when needed.’-” EMPLOYMENT OF NATIVES. (Received August 4, 4.54 p.m.) LONDON, August 3. Lord Stanley, Financial Secretary to the War Office, stated in the House of Commons that natives were employed by both sides in scouting. He presumed they were unarmed. If armed on an occasion mentioned in Lord Kitchener’s despatch it was contrary to all instructions. SPEECH BY MB CHAMBERLAIN. INDICATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICY. (Received August 4, 5.10 p.m.) LONDON. August 3. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, loader of th e Opposition, in referring to a colonial officer’s note in the House of Commons, closely inquired into the South African situation. Mr Chamberlain, in a weighty speech, said that regular war and guerilla war had now been succeeded by a third stage —ruffianism, brigandage and outrage—requiring a change in attitude towards the authors.

The Colonial Secretary, continuing, said Lord Kitchener’s new policy of establishing blockhouses. along lines of communication, and separating the fighters from surrenderors, thus establishing conditions of peace in protected districts, had been so successful that Lord Kitchener believed it would be possible to send Home a considerable number of troops by the end of September.

Mr Chamberlain proceeded to announce that severe methods would be pursued in dealing with incursions into protected areas. Regarding Commandant Kruitzinger’s threats to shoot all natives found in British employ, whether armed 0 r otherwise, tho Government had telegraphed to Lord Kitchener that such acts and the killing of wounded were contrary to civilised warfare. Those persons committing or authorising them were to be court-martiailed, and if found guilty, suffer the penalty of death. (Loud cheers.) General French had been instructed to inform Commandant Kruitzinger of this decision. Mr Chamberlain added that the military situation was more hopeful than for a long time past. This speech'provoked intense hostility on the part of the Irish party. Mr Chamberlain’s crushing retorts to their interruptions greatly aggravated Mr Murphy, M.P. for Kerry East, who declared that the Colonial Secretary had shed enough blood to swim in. ’ Obstructional tactics were maintained until six o’clock in the morning. Widespread indignation has been aroused ihroughout England at the shooting of natives, and at the threats of Commandant Kruitzinger. A REAL VOLUNTEER. (Received August 4, 4.54 p.m.) LONDON, August 3. The London “ Gazette ” announces that tho King has accepted the resignation by Major “Karri” Davies (Imperial Light Horse) of his C.B ; , in accordance with bis expressed wish to serve his Majesty without reward. MISCELLANEOUS. LONDON, .August 2. News has been received that SurgeonMajor Burns, of New Zealand, who has been ill, is convalescent, and has resumed duty. A Boer laager at Joubert’s farm was surprised by a British force on the 29th ult. Seven Boers wer e killed and seven captured, and two hundred cattle and sixty horses taken. The British came off scathless.