NORTHERN FRONTIER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2387, 30 November 1899, Page 28

NORTHERN FRONTIER.

, CAPETOWN, November 21. The commandant of 700 Boers at Coiesfoerg besought the residents to fight for their independence, otherwise they would always be dominated by Downing street. President Steyn's proclamation supported the appeal, but the response was lukewarm. The New South Wales Lancers have arrived at the Orange River. The Free Staters at Aliwal North who were despatched southwards with three guns have lost their waggons, which they had entrusted to the camp natives. The latter bolted from the camp, taking with them many horses and rifles. They proceeded in the direction of the British camp at Queenstown. Major-general Sir William Gatacre has been sent to East London with instructions to record the names of all residents showing disloyalty. to Great Britain. " General Buller's order that the names of all disloyalists should be recorded, with a view to subsequent proceedings, has greatly impressed the disaffected. The loyalists at Colesberg managed to cut the halyard, and so leave the Free State flag flying at half-mast. The Free Staters have- ordered the

British officials in Lady Grey, a township in the Aliwal North district, to leave the town. Major-general Gatacre is advancing to recapture Colesberg and Aliwal North. It -is reported here that two Afrikander members of the Assembly have joined the Boers at Colesberg. Eight thousand Cape Volunteers are under aims. November 23. Disloyal residents of the town tried to destroy the bridge at South Naauwpoort, but the British detected them in their attempt, and the plotters were foiled. Major-general Gatacre has arrested a person named Mauransburg, a leading citizen of Colesburg, on a charge of treason. Major-general Gatacre has reconnoitred Molteno, a town 45 miles to the southwest of Aliwal North. November 24. General Gatacre reports a considerable Dutch rising in the Broken Nail district. Many joined the Boers with a following of armed natives. • The Waiwera, with the New Zealand Contingent on board, has arrived at Capetown. The New South Wales Lancers had their first brush with the enemy during a reconnaissance under Major-general French at Arunclel. A number of the Black Watch and the Cape Mounted Police acompanied them. November 25. A detachment of the New South Wales Lancers, in conjunction with a body of infantry, checked the advance of the enemy at Witteputs. Second Lieutenant Osborne's detachment oi New South Wales . Lancers took part in the engagement near Belmont. Lieutenant Cox's detachment is as t sjsting Major-general French at Naauwpoort. At Arundel they helped in preventing the Boers capturing a military train. November 27.. The Boers have occupied Stormberg, on th» Port Elizabeth railway. The New South Wales Lancers helped to repair the Arundel rail way ; line.