THE SOMALI CAMPAIGN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2561, 6 May 1903, Page 28

THE SOMALI CAMPAIGN.

SOME DESPERATE FIGHTING. LONDON, April 28. Certain Indian native regiments have been ordered on active service in Somaliland. April 29. Colonel Gough has arrived at Bohotle. He is wounded, but progressing satisfactorily. The Somalis held a great war-dance at Berbera to celebrate the checks given to British arms. April 30. A mounted white man — possibly the Mullah's European adviser, the Austrian adventurer, Carl Inger— : ivas amongst the Somalis who attacked Colonel Gough's column. May 1. Lord Cranborue said the Government •were compelled to observe their obligations and protect the Somalis or abandon relation" with the black communities on the Red Sea coast. Sir Robert Reid admitted that they must respect treaties, and advised opening communication with the Mullah. In the House of Common 1 ; Mr Brodrick announced that despite Colonel Plunkett's check, General Manning struck a considerable blow at the Mullah. The Government's policy was to keep the coast line and defend the tribes of the protectorate. The Government did not propose to send a large additional expedition or to operate further in Italian territory, now that the Muctug oasis has been cleared.

May 3. The British sent an officer and 25 Sepo3"s to inquire into the smuggling of arms at Sokoto for Somalilaud. The Sultan handed over 42 French rifles. Four thousand rounds of ammunition were received from Muscat. May 4. Further details to hand show that on Captain Pluukett deciding to retire on learning that Colouel Cobbe's column had not readied water at Wardair he was uuable to return. On f-ighting the enemy he was compelled to fight in the open 12,000 belonging to the Mullah's main body, who unexpectedly appeared. Captain Plunkett was hit early in tbe fight, and also received a epear-thru«t, but fought to the end. He ordered the remnant of hi'i force, chiefly of the Yao tribe, to cut through. They .succeeded after further losses and a display of magnificent courage, many being twice wounded.

CAPETOWN. May 1. Fivj hundred of the Johannesburg

Mounted Rifles have volunteered for the Somaliland campaign.