THE TRANSVAAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2762, 17 April 1900, Page 3

THE TRANSVAAL.

THE WARRENTON TRENCHES.

“■LORD ROBERTS’ POSITION,

SIR GEORGE WHITE’S RECEP-

TION IN ENGLAND

Unlted Press Association—Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received April 16th, 9.30 a.m.

London, April 15.

The British trenches at Warrenton were heavily but harmlessly shelled on Friday,

The Daily News Capetown correspondent states that there are sensational indications of a rebellious spirit at Caledon and Swallendam,and that the rebels are awaiting a favourable opportunity for rising.

The Times states that Lord Roberts expected raiding to commence, and the moment his advance halted, half the enemy’s object failed, Lord Roberts refusing to engage.

Owing to complications in the vicinity, Lord Methuen sent a flying column east Of Zwartkoppesfontain. The enemy retreated the moment they were outflanked.

Sir George White, the defender of Ladysmith, arrived at Southampton, and was accorded an enthusiastic ovation on landing. He received a thousand telegrams, including a telegram from the Queen. Boshof has been made the base of Colonel Kekewich’s command. The Boer peace delegates have started for the Hague, Dr Leyds accompanying them as far as Brussels. THE COLONIALS AT DE AAR. NARROW ESCAPE OF FINDLAY AND NEALE. Received April 17th, 12.18 a.m. London, April 18. Schiel and two other Boer prisoners are confined at St. Helena citadel, owing to a daring attempt to escape aboard a Dutch cruiser, which was lying In harbour. Lord Roberts has strongly; remonstrated with President Kruger for treating prisoners belonging to the South African forces as criminals, and not supplying them with medicines. The Western Australians and Canadians returned to De Aar after pacifying an extensive rebel district around Renhardt. They marched 500 miles on

heavy roads and in unprecedented rain, the average being 100 miles a week. The men and horses endured the hardships well. Eight New Zealanders under Lieutenant Orawshaw entered Renhardt unopposed on April Ist and captured nine rebels, many rifles and 16,000 rounds of ammunition.

Lieutenant Findlay and Corporal Neave were nearly drowned in the Hartebeeste river. Sergeant Street and Private Cassidy gallantly rescued them. Cassidy was promoted to be a Sergeant and recommended for the Humane Society’s medal for swimming ashore with Findlay.

CAPTURE OP A DIAMOND

MINE-OWNER,

REINFORCEMENTS FOR WEEPENER. THE BOERS AT BLANDFORT Received April 17th, 12.20 a.m. London, April 16. The Boers captured Mr Frank Smith, the well-known diamond mine-owner, at Barclay West. General Brabant’s division started on Saturday from Aliwal North for Eoux ville, thence they proceed to Weepener. Colonel Chernside is cooperating with a patrol of Kitchener’s Horse reconnoitring within six miles of Brandfort, It is stated that only 2000 Boers are laagered there, President Kruger attends a conference of commandants at Brandfort. THE FIGHTING AT WEEPENER. THE FREESTATBRS TO BE LEFT TO THEIR PATE.

Received April 17th, 12.45 a.m. London, April 16

There were four ys’ fighting at Weepener; 18 British were killed and 132 wounded. The besiegers are fatigued and despondent, and greatly fear that they will be surrounded. Several of their guns have been disabled, and four of their commandants have been wounded,

It is reported that the Transvaalers have decided to withdraw towards the Yet river and retire across the Yaal river if pressed, leaving the Freestaters to their fate.

A NEW ZEALANDER- CAPTURED,

Pub Pbess Association,

CHRISTCHURCH. April 16,

.News has been received to the effect that H. Hill, a son of Mr H. P. Hill, of Christchurch, was wounded and taken prisoner by the Boers during February. On arriving at Capetown Hill enlisted in Kitchener’s Horse, and on the day after reaching the front he had the misfortune to be captured, In company with a small party from his regiment, while guarding a convoy at Koffyfontein, Mr Hill wrote that he was being well cared for by his captors, and that his wound was healing rapidly.