THE NATAL FRONTIER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 38

THE NATAL FRONTIER.

LONDON, March 5. There were only four days' full rations in Ladysmith when the town was relieved.

A well-directed fire from the naval guns prevented the enemy from removing their "Long Tom" until" the last minute.

Two thousand men from the Ladysmith garrison joined -in the pursuit of the Boers, and considerably- accelerated the starting '"of the last three trains, containing the fleeing Boers, from the Modder's Spruit station.

They abandoned large quantities of stores and ammunition. Then, having crossed the river, they destroyed the railway bridge and prevented further pursuit.

The scouts report that there are none of the enemy at the present time within 30 miles of Ladysmith.

The stores captured outside -the town in the abandoned tents of the enemy were found to contain ample provisions, and even luxuries.

Lord Roberts telegraphed to General White, upon receipt of the news that the town , had been relieved : — " Thank God ! The nation's prayers have been answered."

A list containing' the names of all the Natal Dutch -serving with the Boers was discovered at Isimbulwana Hill.

LONDON, March 6.

General Buller reports that his casualties from February 14 to 27 amongst the rank and file totalled 127 killed, 919 wounded,

57 missing. The chief losses were amongst the following regiments : — East Surrey, 31 killed, 105 wounded ; West Surrey, 7 killed and 108 wounded ; Lancaster, 20 killed and 128 wounded ; Devons, 5 killed and 76 wounded'; -West Yorks, 6 killed and 81 •wounded ; Royal Fusiliers, 2 killed and 57 wounded, all belonging to the second battalions of the regiments named. The first battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment had 10 killed and 81 wounded'; and tke Rifle Brigade 11 killed and 79 wounded.