NEWS FROM THE CAPE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 963, 21 May 1879, Page 2

NEWS FROM THE CAPE.

(per steamer at the bluff.) The s.s. Cuzco brings Cape news to April 20 : The British prestige is sustained. Another disaster occurred on March 28. A force of 400 men were sent by Colonel Wood to capture several thousand cattle on Llobane mountains. After a sharp encounter, the cattle were being driven ofl' when the news was received of there being an immense Zulu camp at the foot of the hill, barring the return to the British camp. The column then attempted to retreat by a steep gorge, but every rock seemed to cover a Zulu. The horses had to jump perpendicularly down three or four feet, many of them rolling down the hill, and breaking their legs and their necks, thus impeding the progress of the rest, until a retreat became a regular stampede. At length the Zulus midst the confusion rushed on, assegaing large numbers. Next day dense masses of the enemy advanced in perfect order of four columns, to attack Wood's camp. The Frontier Light Horse, and the Mounted Basutos advanced to entice the enemy nearer the camp. After firing, they fell back on the camp. The retreat was covered by shells. The enemy, after a temporary confusion, rushed in thousands on the cattle. The 99th and 13th Regiments made two sorties, inflicting great slaughter. After getting within ten yards of the camp, the enemy seemed to turn suddenly, retiring simultaneously. The mounted men pursued, slaughtering the enemy for miles. The British loss was—killed, 2G ; wounded, 50, including ■ Major Halkett. The Zulus lost between 1500 and 3000. The report about the stoppage of Sir Bartle Frere by the Boers is untrue. He received a brilliant reception at Pretoria, and promised the Transvaal a liberal constitution, but refused to abandon annexation. The Prince Imperial is ill at Pietermaritzburg. Dysentery prevails among the troops at Gingihloro. On April 2nd a large force of Zulus attacked Lord Chelmsford at Gingihloro Kraal. The Zulus lost 400 men. The British had four killed and 25 wounded. After the engagement, a flying column, under Lord Chelmsford's personal command, pushed on, relieving Ekowe, the enemy offering no opposition. Colonel Pearson came out to meet the relief column. Twenty-eight deaths have occurred during his occupation of Ekowe, and 12G men, at the time the relief supplies arrived, were very much reduced. The whole garrison was much enfeebled.