MAIL NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 25

MAIL NEWS.

FIGHTING AT RENDSBURG.

MAJOR ROBIN'S GALLANT WORK.

ON THE MODDER RIVER.

HOBART, January 24.

The Ruahine brought files up to the sth January from Capetown. The following is a summary of the news: —

At daj'brealc to-day the Boers, one thousand strong, advanced, coming into Sftufcacfc with, a picket of the In^kjliino;

xragoons, and driA-ing them in, but the Dragoons afterwards rallied, making a splendid charge, killing several and Avounding many. The enemy fled into shelter, and then opened a murderous fire. The infantry replied Avith interest, and for a time a terrific fusillade continued, until four guns opened a deadly shell fire. The Boers falling back, an artillery duel ensued. The deafening thunder, the bursting of the shells, and the heaA r y guns made the day hideous. The infantry then seize'! the Boer positions, taking 19 prisoners, and killing and Arounding 50. The fighting proceeded all day. v

Wrecked trucks, Avith 22,000 rations and a supply of rum, Avere destroyed to prevent them falling into the hands of ths Boers. TAventy-five New Zealandars had a nari"oav escape during the advance on Colesberg. They were directed to take up a position near Yokesl-einek on a kop^s in front of the Boers. They met Avith a hot reception, which Avas unexpected. Their movement dreAv a very heavy Qre from a large force concealed on the hills. Major Robin, seeing the danger of his mon, ran to them over* a mile, and brought the 171 out. The retreat AA - as accomplished amidst o, fchoA-ver of bullets. The whole party came out without a casualty. The men call it a miracle. The NeAV South Wales Lancers sent down to prevent the Boers looting the AA~recked trucks experienced a heavy mufkelry and shell fire. They took the best shelter, and remained there for five hours. They had tAVo men slightly Avounded, and five horses killed. The enemy lost three killed and several wounded. The grave of Bradford, the NeAV Zealander Avas found, Avith a headstone bearing his name, erected by the Boers. The enemy are making a determined defence, but are practically hemmed in. SYDNEY, January 24. The EA r ening News Avar special describing the skirmishing round Arundel tells of a plucky deed performed by tAro NeAV South Wales. Lancers. Troopers Fiaschi and M'Pherson carried Captain Jackson, of the Dragoon Guards, who Avas Arounded, back 400 yards under a heavy fire to the shelter of a kopje, where Captain Jackson died. The Evening NeAvs war special states that on December 16, during a sortie, Trooper Barker, of the JSTeAV Zealand Mounted Rifles, Avas captured, having been Abounded and left for dead. [This must refer to Trooper Bradford, of Avhose death Are gave full particulars from our war correspondent. There Avas no Trooper Barker in the list of the first contingent.]

THE POSITION ON THE MODDER. DRAWING; THE ENEMY'S FIRE. Modder River, December 29.

General Methuen A'isited the guns yesterday afternoon, and ordered three to be laid on the Boer position, leaving instructions to have them fired during the night. Accordingly at 11 o'clock, Avhen most of the troops Avere in bed asleep, the naval gun boomed forth a lyddite shell, folloAved at short interA'als by tAro companions. Our pickets saAV the shell burst right on the Magersfontein ridge. EA r erybody prepared to return to bed, Avhen suddenly from the Boer position belched forth the most tremendous rifle fire yet seen t>y the force. Tier after tier of the Boers' positions Arere lighted up by the twinkling fire of the rifles. The Avind Avas strong and blowing from the enemy's position, causing the sound of the firing to appear quite close ; but, in spite of this and the extreme darkness of the night, our outposts never fired a shot — a grand proof of discipline. Half an hour later, Avithout apparent reason, the Boers again opened a heaA'y, Avell-sustained rifle fire, directed <it nothing on the plain that could be seen. Last night's display proves that the Boers are in a state of excessiA r e nervousness, evidently expecting a night attack. The camp is in splendid health and spirits. The nature of the country gives us a tremendous ach'antage. Although the Boers stand between us and Kimberley, yet their position is not A r ery enviable compared Avith ours. They dare not leave the barren kopjes. Whenever they move Arith their lines our guns invariably plant a shell in their midst. They cannot obtain water during the day, and after yesterday evening's experience are likely to be considerably worried during the night.