THE CONDITION OF THE CONTINGENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 29

THE CONDITION OF THE CONTINGENT.

(Press Association Special) .

Arundel Camp, December 20,

There are six men in hospital to-day — viz., Trooper Enderby, who ha*s had a slight attack of rheumatic fever, but is now almost well again ; Trooper R. Taylor, sciatica ; Trooper Palmer, slight sunstroke; the other three are only suffering from minor complaints, and shoxild be on duty again in two or three days. On the whole the health of the contingent is excellent. The horses are also doing fairly well. There are three or four mild cases of strangles, but the others seem to be suffering somewhat from the heat or the effects of the sand. It is impossible to prevent them " whaling" a certain amount of sand, and also swallowing it when eating their hay. The nosebags are kepi on when possible night and day; otherwise we should lose many horses from sand colic: Our animals are very much lighter than the British cavalry horse. All those from England have now got winter coats, and consequently have not the sleek nor shiny appearance ol ours.

ANOTHER LADYSMITI-I SORTIE. THREE GUNS DESTROYED. Ladysmith. December 15 (Heliograph iJecsago). Last night another sortie wa= made by 500 volunteer? under General Hunter. They destroyed a 6-inch Cruezot gun, a howitzer and Maxim, with only one killed. The Boers fled. It was a bold achievement.