THE TRANSVAAL

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3144, 19 July 1901, Page 2

THE TRANSVAAL

THE KILLING OF THE WOUNDED

United Press Association—Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received 10.43 p.m., July 18th. LONDON,' July 18. Air Bennett Burleigh states that the killing of the wounded at Vlankfontein was not well authenticated, and that the- outrage was the work of one or two Boers. The “ Standard’s” Pretoria correspondent says that Steyn was asleep when Reitz was surprised, and that he escaped hi his night-shirt. He jumped on a horse; the riflemen fired at him, but missed. Lieutenant French, of the New Zealand Buslfmen, has sailed for England.

THE RETURNED TROOPS,

Pot Press .Associate

NAPIER, July 18. The Hawke’s Bay section of the contingents arrived by train to-night. Although it was raining heavily a large number attended. The men were welcomed by Major Chicken, commanding the EastCoast Battalion, in the absence of the Mayor, and Dean Hovcll, Chaplain of the Forces, also extended a hearty welcome to the men. The Gisborne men are the guests of the Hawke’s Bay Reception Committee until they leave by steamer tomorrow.

The return of Quartermaster-Sergeant T. Ooldstone, Farrier-Sergeant I). McTaggart and Trooper Lindsay, who had arrived with the men of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents per the Tagus, was enthusiastically welcomed by Waimate people on Wednesday last, when a very large assembly met the men at the railway station and assompanied them under an escort of the Waimate Rifles and the band to the Town Hall. Here a large platform was erected on which were seated the three abovenamed young men. After shaking hands and welcoming them the Mayor heartily congratulated them in the name of the people of the town on their safe return. The Rev. G. Blight also welcomed the returned volunteers, expressed the thanks of the people to God for their preservation through war and disease and return to home. He indignantly repelled the insinuations and lies as to the bad conduct and viciousness of the soldiers and volunteers in South Africa. Captain Barclay in a stiring speech gave a cordial greeting of welcome especially on behalf of the Waimate Rifles, who would be so glad to again have enrolled amongst their number the returned men, who will by example and good conduet be able to assist in maintaining discipline and attention to duty amongst the local volunteers. Mrs Manchester (the Mayoress) amidst the cheers of the assembled people then fastened on the breast of each trooper the gold medal presented by the Reception Committee. There were on the platform with the Mayor several ladies and gentlemen amongst whom were Mcsdames Blight, the Mayoress, J. S. j Adams, Nicol, H. Barclay, Rev. G. Bax- j

flay, Messrs Pitcaithly, Coltrnan, Akiuirst, Cameron, and members of the Reception Committee and town councillors. The National Anthem was sung at the close.