THE WESTERN FRONTIER

Otago Witness, Issue 2412, 24 May 1900, Page 29

THE WESTERN FRONTIER

LONDON, May 15. Advices received by way of Pretoria state that an attack upon Mafeking by the Boers was begun on Saturday, the 12th inst. The native quarter of the toAvn is reported to be in flames. The neAvspapers contain hints that General Hunter started for Mafeking Avhilst General Barton was fighting the enemy at Rooidam on the 7th inst. ' There was heavy fighting at Mafeking on Saturday. The Boers claim that they seized the native quarters., and brought their guns to bear at close range on the town. The British then surrounded them. Fighting was continued on Sunday. The Boers admit seven killed and 17 wounded. Colonel Baclen-PoAvell on the 7th wired to Lord Roberts that feA~er was decreasing. Ho had food till June 10. May 17. The Lord- Chancellor (Earl Halsbury) read to the House of Lords a press cable announcing the relief of Mafeking, but intimated that the neAvs was unofficial. Crowds gathered in front of the Mansion House aAvaiting the confirmation of the news, and there aa'os the greatest enthusiasm among the people outside. The Boer forces surrounding Mafeking Sgeye largely increased^ in order to prevent

the advance of the relieving column, who comprise picked men from the Imperial Light Horse, Roberts's Horse, Briarhall's Horse, and the Imperial Volunteers. Advices from Delagoa Bay state that Colonel Baden-Powell captured during the desperate figliting on Saturday, the 12th, General. Eloff and 91 other prisoners. May 18. Colonel Baden-Powell allowed Eloff to enter the enclosure. The garrison then fired from loopholed burrows, killing 50 of the enemy. ■ Pretoria's official statement that Mafeking is still surrounded is suggestive. Pretoria's official statement is that Mafeking is still surrounded. ' Lord '" Kitchener's whereabouts are unknown. It is believed he commands the Mafeking relief column. General Hunter, leaving General Barton at Christiana, has returned to Fourteen ' Streams. Lord Roberts explains that the Boers at Christiana, thinking the British force was at Parys, threatened Klerksdorp, and went to Klerksdorp. General Methuen has advanced 12 miles on the Hoopstad road.