THE AGENT-GENERAL'S MESSAGES. WELLINGTON, December 20.

Otago Witness, Issue 2391, 28 December 1899, Page 25

THE AGENT-GENERAL'S MESSAGES. WELLINGTON, December 20.

The Premier has received the following from London : — Nothing is known of the events which have occurred in South Africa since Saturday, and there is considerable speculation as to the whereabouts of General Clery's brigade. The Natal corrected returns for General Methuen's campaign showthat the Highland Brigade lost 213 killed. The nation, though anxious, in showing plenty of spirit. Volunteers are offering wholesale. December 21. The Governor has received the following cable from Mr Chamberlain :—" General French, in reporting upon the operations of December 18, says that the New Zealanders were most steady under fire at short range, and I am glad that my anticipations of the value and quality of colonial forces are fully confirmed.'' / December 22. The Agent-general wires confirming the

statement that Trooper Bradford was not killed, but wounded and a prisoner. News was received here to-day that Mr Percy Crabbe, well known in swimming circles, and son of the well-known temperance lecturer, has been seriously wounded in South Africa. Crabbe went ■with one of the Australian contingents, and no doubt has been wounded in the recent engagement at Arundel. Mrs Crabbe is resident in this city. Young Crabbe secured second place in the New Zealand swimming championship decided in Ghristchurch in 189/, and also won the provincial championship of Wellington in the same year.

THE AGENT-GENERAL'S MESSAGE. WELLINGTON, December 21. The Agent-general cables that General French reports that the New Zealand contingent showed great steadiness under fixe. The British estimated losses at Colenso (Tugela River) on Friday are said to have been 145 officers and men killed. There is no fresh information in regard to the movement of our troops.