THE BOER WAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2455, 3 April 1901, Page 26

THE BOER WAR.

*— ♦ — BOERS ALIENATING SYMPATHY. DEFEAT OF DE LA. REV.— THE CAPE DUTCH DISMAYED. Lieut .-Colonel Robin Return- j ing Home. j WHAT GENERAL FRENCH HAS DONB.-BOERS CAPTURE 130 COLONIALS. A SUDDEN SWOOP BY DE LA REV. GALLANTRY OF THE IMPERIAL EIGHT HORSM.-THB BOERS LOSE HEAVILY. GENERAL FRENCH'S CAPTURES. CORNERING KRUITZINGER AND DE WET: LONDON, March 25. The Australian troops -who have recently arrived in South Africa have been sent to strengthen General De Lisle's command. Colonel Thornevcroft brought to Dewetsttprp 5000 horses', 3000 cattle, and 17,000 sheep. .Botha's refusal of the peace terms is alienating many sympathisers in Brussels Germany, Austria, and Holland. March 26. Messrs J. Merriman "and J. W. Saver, who were recently sent to England by the ! Afrikander members of the Cape Parliament to represent their views on the South 'African situation to 'the House of Commons, <have petitioned to be heard at the bar of ihe House of Commons respecting the settlement of the ex-Republics, especially against a Crown colony Administration. refrained from protesting against an- ' jnexation since they were officiaHy assured that the decision to annex was unalterable. - i Six British were killed and 20 wounded 3n the fighting at Hartebeestefontein on 3?riday, chiefly belonging to the Imperial Light* Horse and " Yeomanry. ' - General Babington and Colonel Stapletou attacked and defeated De la. Rey and 1500 men to the south-west of Ventersdorp. ■ The British drove in the enemy's rearguard at Vaalbank, and captured theft' con'fay and guns. Many Boers were killed and wounded. The British losses were sl'ght. The British displayed great gallantry and 'dash, capturing two 15-pounders, one pompom, six "Maxims, 320 ro'.nds of 15-pounder, and 15,000 rounds of small arms ammunition, 160 rifles, 77 waggons, and l'4O pri'■Boners. During their recent attack on Lichten- , iSbarg 70 Boers were caught by the wire ' ''(entanglements. Most of them were shot. ' - . ■ lumbers of Boers, led by renegade Bri- ~ tish, are looting stock in Zululand. They have also fortified themselves on the Inhla«antje Mountain. Colonel Hennicker's column had a running fight with a Boer commandant, the latter having 500 men with him. on Saturday at Vlakfoniein. Major Clark, comananding the Victorian Bushmen, had his Tiorse shot under him. A patrol of Johannesburg mounted police .Iburned the Boschkop Hotel, in the West •Baud. The place was a regular depot for ihe Boers. Two police were killed when expelling the Boers prior to the destruction of the property. When General French pressed the retreating Boers in the Eastern Transvaal 15 of 'tneni entered Swaziland. The Swazis re :sented the invasion, and killed seven of ;them. The lest fled and surrendered to the ■British. In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain stated that the Government had no intention of reopening negotiations with Botha. Mr Chambeilain refused at .present to producs the report of the commission on * the advisability of settling reservists and others on land in South Africa. He declaied that it was not intended to appropriate or confiscate Boer property. Great Britain has agreed to compensate *ny German subjects expelled from the Transvaal, but the maximum amount of compensation will be £250. The recipients are chiefly former officials of the Netherlands Railway Company. March 27. De la Rey's defeat has dismayed the Cape Dutch. Prominent members of the 'Afrikander Bond advise a cessation of reeistaace. Kruitzinger is closely pressed in the ■-neighbourhood of the Orange River, and, finding it unford.ibie. has turned to the south-west. One burdred of Malans Boer? on the 21st ambushed 130 colonial tioopcrs in a rocky defile near Richmond. The colonials siirrer.clpred after losing 13 men. The survivors were stripped of their army accoutrements ard then liberated. General French, with Major-general Dait mil's column, has. ainved at Viyheid.

Since General French commenced his sweeping movement in the Eastern Transvaal l-SOO Boers have been killed, wounded, or captured, in addition to seven guns, IDOO lines, 226,000 hordes, cattle, and sheep, and 1800 waggon?. Lieutenants H. Banks and H Col'.ett (New Zealanders) and J. C. Campbell (Westralian) have accepted commissions in the Royal Artillery. Sir Edward Clark, who last year resigned his seat in the House of Commons owing to his constituents censuring him for his pro-Boer utterances, has now stated that the Boers' rejection of the generous terms offered has altered the circumstances. He hoped that the war would be carried to a complete and early termination. March 28. Lord Kitchener reports with reference to De la Key's defeat by General Babington, near Ventersdorp, that Babington's casual- | ties were two killed and seven wounded. I Twenty-two dead and 30 wounded Boers have already been found ©n the field. Owing to the rapidity of the pursuit there were probably many more Boer casualties un- | noticed. Saturday's operations resulted in General Babington driving the enemy north from Kafferskraal. The mounted troops only continued the pursuit. On Sunday a com- ! bined movement on both flanks drove in the Boer rearguard. The convoy was then sighted at Lauwfontein. The Scots Greys, the New Zealanders, and the Australian Bushmen pushed on. i"he Scots Greys, riding down all opposition, frustrated the enemy's attempt to take up a position. Shortly afterwards, when the New Zealanders from the east and the Bushmen from the west rode into the convoy, the retirement became a rout. The fleeing Boers were pursued until the pursuers' horses were exhausted. Gunner Beck, of Ormondville, a member of the fifth contingent, who joined the artillery, tlied of his wounds at Lichtenburg. The contingent have sailed for South Africa on the tioopship Chicago. They had a great send-off. They also took the four additional medical officers asked for by the Imperial authorities. Kruitzinger's and Scheeper's and Van Reenan's commandos have effected a junction, ond are proceeding, 1000 strong. through the Orange River Colony, via Venterstad. De Wet and 400 followers are reported to have crossed the Vaal at Vilhersdorp. Britzer's commando, from Blaauwkop, are starting to punish the Swazis for killing the Boers who were escaping from General French. Earl Selborne, speaking at the Liberal Union Club, denounced the current agitation Sir A. Milner, who, he said, had' stemmed two Invasions of our South African territory without infringing the Constitution. March 29. Colonel Skobell. en the 29th, at Blaauwkrantz, drove Commandant Scheeper's force into an ambuscade prepared by Major Mullins, who. firing at short range, killed 16 and captured 26 Boers. The Mayor of Capetown presented 1000 returning Australians and New Zealanders with souvenirs. He praised their fine exploits at Bothaville, where, early in November last, they took a prominent part in inflicting a severe defeat .on De Wet and capturing several guns. The Mayor hoped majiy of the colonials would return to South Africa. They are taking the gun captured at the Vet River to Australia. In the House of Commons Mr Brodrick stated that 28,560 mounted troops had been despatched to South Africa since February, while 6000 were awaiting transports. Mr Baliour has declined to propose that Messrs Merriman and Saner be heard at the bar of the House of Commons. Mr Bryce objected to the punishment of rebels, and advised a general amnesty and a. gift of two million pounds to restock farms. Mr Chamberlain said the rebels must be punished, in justice to the loyalists It would be folly, not magnanimity, to assist the Boers with a gift instead of a loan. General Bruce Hamilton, in a running fight, expelled the Boer snipers from ridge after ridge in the Dewetsdorp district. Australians largely compose the detective force of Johannesburg, which has been em- • ployed against illicit liquor and other offences. One thousand Police Court and 400 Higher Court cases have already been tried. Professor Goldwin Smith, who has distinguished himself by his erratic utterances on the South African war, condemns General Botha's refusal to accept the best terms that could possibly be expected. The Portuguese have "settled 398 Boers at Peiicne and 275 at Alcobaca, two small towns in Portugal The troopship Devon, with the Wes--tra-lian contingent, lias ariived at Dur&an. March 30. De la Rey, on the 22nd. by means of a sudden swoop, tried to intercept the rear portion of a force of 200 British returning from a reconnaissance at Hartebeestefontein. A number of the Imperial Light Horse, haid pressed, seized a kopje, and fought intrepidly for two hours and a-half. until relieved. The Boers sustained 40 casualties. P. C Best, of the New Zealand Rough ! Riders, died of entenc at Potchefstroom. | John Ryan, a Victorian Bushman, was drowned at Warrenton. M.irch 31 General Bruce Hamilton on Wednesday h.id a running fight near Dewetsdorp foi 20 miles with Foiui^. v>ho, however, e& cjp d before the Biitish Lad completed their

turning movement. Tli3 British ciptured many cattle, hordes, and caits. The Imperial _Ligkt Horse at Utiecht captured 30 v>.. j ggon;>. Lieutenant \i. C. MVuouglas. of the Aimy Medical Coip«, has been awarded the Vktcua Cross for gallantry at Magersfontem. Captain Cravrshavr, of the New Zealand Mounted Infantry, has been dii-charged from the hospital, aiid has resumed duty. General French reports that between the 16th ai.d 27th inst. his forces killed and wounded 17 Boers and captured 51 ntheis ; while 93 of the enemy surrendered. Commandant Englebreek has surrendered to General French. The Boers wrecked a tiain near Pan. Two hundred of them were attempting to loot the train, but were repulsed, and left six of their dead and one wounded on the field. General Baden-Powell has stopped recruiting for his police. Eleven thousand men were enrolled. A laige proport.on of the English recruits are gentlemen or farmers. There are 5000 candidates' for 300 commissions. The Templemore, with the Queensland contingent, has arrived at Capetow n. April 1. Seven Boers were killed, nine ■Mounded, and' 7o captured in the Dewetsdorp district. Fifteen hundred horses were collected. The British column r.t Utrecht destroyed agricultural implements and everything likely to be useful to the Boers. Seven columns are rapidly encircling Kruitzinger. The Orange River is still unfordable. De Wet is in the neighbourhood of Heidelberg. Two columns are pursuing him. Many surrenderors are joining the burgher police at Bloemfontein. Sir A. Milner agrees with the Outlanders' Committee that the resumption of Aroik at Johannesburg, as steady transit of supplies permits such a step, is calculated to contribute towards pacification. OFFICIAL MESSAGES. WELLINGTON. March 28. The Premier has received a cable from Johannesburg that five officers and 17 men of the fourth contingent have volunteered for further service. Private Best, of the fourth contingent, is dangerously ill at Potchefstroom. DEATHS OF NEW ZEALANDERS. A Wellington telegram states that Lord Kitchener has cabled announcing the death from enteric fever of Trooper (^l) M'Donald. of the second contingent, who belonged to Waikato. The Oamaru Mail states that the Premier received fi cablegram yesterday from the Governor of Cape Colony (Sir Alfred Milner) stating that 1077 J. R. Lament, fourth New Zealand contingent, died from enteric fever at Potchefstroom on March 21. As showing th« grit of Trooper Lamont, the Mail states that when once he made up his mind to go with the fourth contingent nothing could induce him to abandon^ his intention, and in order that his application might be put in in time he travelled night and day for three days until he reached Oamaru. Hi 3 letters from South Africa have always been characterised by hope and buoyancy, and he was looking forward to his return with a keen pleasure, which was shared by his relatives. A PROMOTION. A Wellington telegram says that Lord Kitchener cables that Lieutenant Tuckey, of the fifth contingent, has been promoted to be captain. COLONEL ROBIN RETURNING HOME. WELLINGTON, March 27. Lieutenant-colonel Robin cables to the Premier that he is returning with the third contingent from South Africa. THE DANDY FOURTH. NEW PLYMOUTH, March 50. It was the fourth contingent of New Zealanders who were engaged under General Babington at Ventersdorp in the recent severe fight. Colonel Davies cables that all are well. RETURNING FROM THE WAR. WELLINGTON, March 29. The following New Zealanders disembarked from the Waihora this morning in charge of Farrier-sergeant Warren, all being privates unless otherwise specified : — J. Anderson (Wanganui), third contingent, wounded at Rhenoster Kop ; T. Andrews (Ashburton). fifth contingent, enteric ; Sergeant Warren (Kitchener's Horse), wounded at Rhenoster Kop ; Theo. Casey (Auckland), first contingent ; J. Townsend (Dunedin), wounded at Tiger Poort, near Pretoria ; Farrier-sergeant Wilkinson (Auckland), fourth contingent, debility ; A. G. Buker, fourth contingent ; F. Bird, third contingent ; M. Crean, fourtn contingent ; L. Home, second contingent; A. H.'Bodmin, No. 12 Company, fifth contingent : Corporal G. E. Derrett, Rough Riders ; W. H Reeves, fifth contingent Imperial Bushmen ; R. W. Barry, Kaffrarian Rifles ; E. C. Evans, third contingent ; Farrier Spain, fourth contingent ; W. Gibson, fourth contingent ; G. E. Murray, Brabant's Hoise ; R. J. Brown, second contingent, wounded at Rhenoster Kop ; J. A. Borla&e, second contingent, wounded at Rhenoster Kop ; W. Moyle, second contingent, wounded at Rhenoster Kop ; A. Dickson, fifth contingent; G. R. Jensen, Brabant's Horse; Corporal H. Thomson and J. H. Liggins, both of fifth contingent. Privates Anderson and Baker were wounded in action in the hip. Blown bears a nasty shell wound in the thigh. Anderson was hit by a ball in the leg, Borlase in the arm, and Bodmin in the back of the hand. Several of the men were in the Rhenoster Kop action. VOLUNTEERING FOR FURTHER SERVICE. WELLINGTON, March 29. The Piemier ka& been advised that the officers of the fourth contingent vlio have

volunteered to te'ixc with the seventh contingent are Captain Bauchop. Lieutenants^ fSeddor, Elder, Tubman, and Jickell. The f(,llo\\pi<T me'nbcis of earlier contingent- I-i\o tie i" ivied to remain ard tene viith tho t-ixt i in i-'outh Africa: — Harper, <? W.'tkins,, J)c Caitcii*. Hawthorne, His lup. ;ind Merine. THE SEVENTH CONTINGENT WELLINGTON. March 25. TLc seventh contingent went this morn in^ to Trentham in flying column order, and will spend tho re-t of tl'e week in camp there, lf.arcamg about the lough country, skirmishing on the hills, and practising at the butts. It is definitely decided that Lieutennntcolcnv'l I'ortci t'.kc? the hoyenth contingent as fai as the Cape. March 30. Tt is undei stood thai the Trentham camp for the 'e\enth contingent will break up on Tuesday Fowler, of Nelson, who was injured at the camp, i^ progressing well in Wellington Hospital. Theie are 26 men in tLe contingent who liave already seen service in South Africa, 17 of whom are holding acting-commis-sions. OUR .SECOND AND THIRD CONTINGENTS RETURNING. WELLINGTON, March 29. The Premier received advice this morning from Capet-ow n to tLe effect that members of the second and third contingents to the number of 300 will leave Capetown for Wellington by the Tongariro to-morrow. April 1. Lord Kitchener in a telegram to the Governor, dated March 31, stdted that the second and third New Zealand contingents would leave South Africa by the s.&. Tongarlro to-day. THE FIFTH CONTINGENT. The Premier has received a cable message from the officer commanding the New Zealand Regiment at Coatrielspruit stating that Captain Jackson and 25 men of his squadron, Captains Abbott and Tuckey, Lieutenants Simpson, Batger, and 10 men. all of ihe fifth contingent, aie desirous of continuing on service with the New Zealand troops in South Africa. Lieutenant r French has asked for leave to go to England on the return of las re-gim^pt. LORD KITCHENER ON NEW ZEALANDERS. The Premier ha 3 received the following cablegram from Lord Kitchener: — "Please accept and convey to the people of New Zealand my warm thanks for the splendid contingent under Lieutenant-colonel Banks that has arrived here, and which has now taken the field. We regret losing the men who have served with us during the past year. They ha\e invariably displayed the utmost courage and devotion, and 1 congratulate New Zealand on hawnar been repiesenled by so magnificent a body of officers and men. Wherever they ha^e been engaged the New Zealanders have always distinguished themselves. (Signed) Kitchener " A Wellington telegram states that 25 New Zealand soldiers, who have returned fiom South Africa, sailed from Sydney by the Waihora on Saturday, under Sergeant Wilkinson. The members of the Port Chalmers Band assembled at the residence of Mr Collier, Mansfordtown, last week to present Mr Collier with a painting of his son John, and to Miss Foreman a painting of her brother. R. Foreman, both at present in South Africa with the second contingent. Mr M'Connell, the bandmaster, in making the presentations, leferred to the high esteem in which both gentlemen were held by the band, and said that the band could not allow them to come back without giving tomethingf to remind them that they were not forgotten by their fellow bandsmen while fighting for their country. Mr Collier and Mr A. Kydd (on behalf of Miss Foreman) suitably .replied During She evening songis "were sung by the Misses Collier and Miss Foreman snd Mr Schnack. Kefreshments were handed round by Mr Collier, and the carty broke up. Sergeant Arthur Challis, of the New Zealand contingent, who was admitted to the Hobart Hospital on the arrival of the Karamea on February 9, Buffering severely from typhoid fever, has recovered, and was discharged from the institution on the 18th inst. News was received at Te Avtanrutu on the 18th inst. of the death of Trooper William Yewdell, who went to South Africa as one of the second contingent. He was badly kicked by a horse in Capetown, and it was then stated that he had been invalided to England, where Ins parents live. It now appears that when lie recovered from the kick he went to the front and not to England. A private letter states that Trooper Yewdell was shot through the brea3t about two months ago when out scouting. As his next of kin reside in England, the ne\vs was telegraphed there. The transport Gulf of Taranta ii expected to reach Wellington on Monday. The seventh contingent will probably leave on the following Saturday. The Timaru Post says that Dr Gabite=>. resident surgeon at the Timaru Hospital, has received official intimation from the Premier that he has been selected to ro with the seventh contingent to South Africa Dr Gnbites offered himself for pcrvice in South Africa some time ago, but it was not until Thursday wight that he received the official message informing him that his services- had been accepted. Dr Munro, of Edinburgh, wi'l fill the position at the hospital during Dr Gabites's absence. The Taieri Advooate state? that J. Palmer, 6on of Mr Edwin Palmer, of Taieri Mouth, has been promoted to the position of corporal, and is now attached to Lord Methuen's staff Mr C. R. Smith, secretary of the Patriotic Committee, has received a telegram from the Defence department notifying that the troopers from Otago who reached Wellington by the Waihora, having been invalided home from South Africa, leave for Lyttelton to-day, and come on by the express train on Wednesday, arriving here that eveningThe returned troopers will be met and welcomed, and put up ai. the Provincial Hotel for tho night. The North Otago Times states that Mr W. Cork, of Oamaru. has received word that Troopei J. G. ICejsh, of Kitchener's Horse, died of enteric at Johannesburg some short time ago. Trooper Nei=h left with the Orrnazan on the occasion of that steamer taking horses for South Africa, and at once joined Kitchener's Horse, in which he scr\ed till seized with his fatal illness. He vas well known in the Oamaru dislric^ haviuK

octpd as a =hfijhcrtl on Bain ddeiy and other places m t' c district.