ARDUOUS MARCHING GREAT PRIVATIONS. A FIXE PERFORMANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2509, 16 April 1902, Page 27

ARDUOUS MARCHING GREAT PRIVATIONS. A FIXE PERFORMANCE.

Tho same correspondent, writing fron Harrismith on March 2 gives a graphic account of the arduous work of the column mo\iug in the mountain's:- — Colonel Scott, whose eo'umn. consisting of the 2nd and Bth Mounted Infantry, had been forming o« the evtreme left, got into the drive. They had just arrived on the line, having performed one of the most arduous marches of the campaign. For five days the column moved over the mountainous district immediately on the Natal border As a rule the northern elopes and hills were fairly easy, while- in the south they broke away into precipices, between which it was necessary to find bridle paths for the descent of tho troops, and to construct roads for the gun*. The men worked splendidly One day after starting at 6 o'clock in the morning, they only arrived in camp at midnight. They were obliged to light lamps in order to find their way, as there were deep precipices all round. It was found impossible to take the few wagwons comprising the convoy. a«d 12 were burned, with their contents. The guns were brought in safely, but in the descent the wheels were tied, and the men behind hauled back in order to prevent them slipping down into the valley. Ono morning, when tho camp awoke, they found themselves above the clouds, while Natal, as far as the eye could reach, was enveloped in clouds. They were three days without food Altogether it was a very -fine and unique performance. Colonel Scott brought in 1C prisoners, making the total bag, including the killed, about 850.