The Matabele War.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume I, Issue 71, 3 November 1893, Page 2

The Matabele War.

Crushing Defeat of Lobengula

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright

Per Press Association.

Received 9 p.m. Capetown, November 1. It is expected a decisive tight will take place at Hope’s fountain, where all the Chartered Company's forces are pressing. Captain Kaaf expects to effect the junction with Dr James on the south of Bulawayo, where a large impi is massed. Many of Captain Raufs horses are unfit for service, but the men are all well. Chief Gungun, however, is preparing to assist King lx>bengula because one of the envoys recently shot was a relation of his. Received 0.50 a.in. Capetown, November 2. King Lohengula is reported to be fleeing in a north - west direction. Half of Khama’s regiment were killed and his power is broken. | Received 11 a.m.j Capetown, November 2. News has just been received of the crush ing and decisive defeat of Mataheles. The enemy for many days preserved a wary attitude, and though in touch with the scouts of the Company’s forces, could not be brought to book. On Friday, however, an impi made a vigorous attack on Forbes’ Laager. They were mowed down in large numbers by an unceasing fire of breech loaders, but nothing daunted, renewed the attack on Saturday, when the column had reaclu-d within ten miles of Rulawavo. The Maxim guns made terrible liayoc in the crowded masses of men, and after a severe struggle the Mataheles showed signs of giving way under the continued shower of bullets. Seizing his opportunity, Forbes ordered a general charge, and the dispirited natives gaver way before the shoek, and were completely routed. The linbe/.o regiment was commanded by Lobcngula in person, who alone stood firm. The enemy retreated to Bulawayo, but without giving them time to rally, the combined column attacked and captured the King’s kraal. Korbe’s loss was only slight, but no hiss than three thousand of Matabele’s were left dead on the held. Major Adams’ column came up just after the capture of the stronghold. It is expected that Bulawayo will be turned into the Company’* fort, Jamieson remaining as administrator, j Received 11.80 a.m.j Capetown, November 2. The Cape Government demand that Sir Cecil Rhodes l>e permitted to settle the Matcbele question subject to the ap proval of the Imperial Government, and emphatically protests against Lord liipoii interfering in the meantime. Scout* state that King Lobcngula has fled into North Matopops hills, about 40 miles west of the position now held by the Chartered Company's columns, and it is believed his ultimate escape is impossible.