WITH THE ATTACKING FORCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 29

WITH THE ATTACKING FORCE.

The Southland troops left Invercargill by two trains on Thursday night for the scene of operations. Unfortunately the day had been wet, and consequently there was a much smaller muster than was anticipated, the total entraining being 540 men and officers in charge of Colonel Hawkins. The first train with the mounted troops started out at 9.45 p.m., and arrived at Allanton at 5.10 on Friday morning, while the train containing the infantry left at 11.20 p.m. and arrived at 5.40 a.m. In a very short time the troops detrained, and erected their temporary camp in Mr Shand's paddock, and, after field rations had been issued, the men .settled down to the regular routine of camp life. The site taken up was immediately acres the bridge from Allanton Station, where the Taieri River takes a sharp turn and strikes out across the plains. A quarter of a mile in front of the oamp a. small hill affords a view of the main road almost as far as> Mosgiel, and of tlie plains beyond, and from the camp itself Scrogg's Hill, an important strategic position, can be commanded by artillery fire.

After a morning spent in camp duties, at 2.30 p.m., by instruction from the Director of Manoeuvres, preparations were made for hostile movements, and two squadrons moved out — one, in charge of Captain Stewart, to patrol the heights overlooking Allanton toward* Saddle Hill, and the other, under Captain Porter, to patrol the roads across the plains on the west of the railway line toward Outram. Meanwhile two companies of infantry established pickets on a line parallel with Soogg's Hill in a westerly direction, covering a frontage of about five miles. The artillery, under Lieutenant Ritchie, nnd the Engineers, under Lieutenant Flyun. were detailed to assist in the formation of the outpost- line. The mounted pati'ol on the roads south of Mosgiel returned at dusk, having seen nothing of the enemy's outposts ; but those on the hil's, who had been detailed to hold then- position and Dicket on Sorogg's Hill, were more successful. At 1-.35 p.m. they first came in touch with tho enemy, and Captain Porter, of the Murihiku Rifles, signalled to headquarters. " Came in touch with enemy's outposts, about half a squadron strong, on ridge below Saddle Hill."'

During the afternoon the rain began to fall in heavy showers, and when "Lights out '" sounded the prospects for Saturday's work was very poor. For those picketed on Scogg's Hill and across the plains the quarters must have been far from comfortable ; but in the main eamo, thanks to a. liberal supply of straw, a pleasant night was spent. In the morning it was unique to see the men making their morning ablutions in the numberless puddles that were scattered about the pad-dock. At 9 o'clock the weather cleared, and preparations lor advance operations were again resumed. An unfortunate accident happened to Colonel Henderson, the second m command, during the first night in camp. Tripping, over a tent rope, he fell and dislocated his shoulder. Surgeon-captain Bauohop found the injury too severe to operate on without anaesthetics, and so on Saturday mornin? Colonel Henderson, attended by Captain Watson, was conveyed by train to Dunedin. thence to the Hospital. It was with a sense of relief that at midday a telegraph message was received from Dunedin stating that the sufferer had been successfully treated, and was to- proceed to Invercargill by the express train that afternoon.

During the morning- Colonel Hawkins got into communication with the Director of Manoeuvres, and as a result the mounted troops, under Major Bowler, were moved out to reinforce Captain Porter. Consequently, a little later than midday, patrol parties were stationed from the Brighton road up over Saddle Hill, down the spur leading from Saddle Hill, and north of Mosgiel, thence across the plain to Silverstrea,rn. Having gained these vantage points, the main body was in a position to make an advance, and so at about 3 o'clock the order \» as given to strike camp afc Allanton. In a very few minutes the little canvas town was lowered to the ground, the '" swags " were packed, and the transport waggons began their work of loading up. The wheat straw used for bedding was ordered to be burned, and very soon smoking heaps marked the spots where the tents had been.

At half-past 4 the column moved out. and though small it presented an impressive sight, with itri advance guard and its artillery, and its four or five transport waggons bringing up the rear, a* well as ito numerous camp followers. An hoiir's march brought it to its new quarters, Mr Ximmo'a paddock, a little vast Ricearton, and about a mile from Mosgiel Station. Hero, under the bluegum trees on the lower slopes of Saddle Hill, th<? troops made then- second camp, and settled down for the night ; and here, as far as it is at present ascertainable. the hcadquaitcrs will be made for the final movements.

Towards evening news came from llie patrols that the right flunk under Captain Porter, Ih^ centre flank under Major Bowler, -aitd thr left flank under Captain SciiiDileis ha.l all three had a biush with,

the defending forces, with the result that one cap'Min had been shot and a number of men (.aptured, .all of whom were put on. parole and turned loese in tho rear of our line.

At 10.30 on Saturday -a attack: was made by Captain Stewart on the bridge across tho Green Island Lagoon. If it was taken, before the defending forces suocofded m blowing it up an important strategical position is in the hands of the attacking- party. On this point, however, no news was available at the time of sending this despatch.