BRITON V. BOER

Southland Times, Issue 14516, 16 December 1899, Page 2

BRITON V. BOER

LED TO DESTRUCTION. A BLACK NIGHT FOR POOR SCOTLAND : 703 OF THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE LAID LOW. THE SACRIFICE AT STORMBERG. AUSTRALIANS COMMENDED. ANOTHER TRANSPORT ASHORE. HOW THE REVERSE IS TAKEN IN AUSTRALIA. [United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph Cop yright). Capetown, Dec. 14. The Highland Brigade was guided through intense darkness and rain close to the Boer entrsnehments, which were screened by leaves. The Boers silently waited till they approached, when they were met with a hail of lead, and 200 were mown down. The brigade fell back, and the Black Watch, on reforming, muttered only 160. The brigade renewed the attack at daybreak, 31 big guns covering the advance, and the Gordons heroically attempted to retrieve the disaster, but found the task impossible. Lieut.-Colonel G. T. F. Downman, Ist bat. Gordon Highlanders, was amongst the killed in the early morning attack. The Boir trenches were protected by barbed wire. The Guards faikd in an att mpt to turn the enemy’s flank owing to the arrival of 2000 Boers and a numter o' guns. Ihe Britis-h loss totalled 833 killed and wounded, 703 belonging to the Highland Brigade. There were 69 casualties among the officers.

One shell on Sunday fell into a Boer prayer mett’ng. Another Lyddite shell killed 20 Boere. T venty-three British were killed and 62 wounded at the battle of Stormberg. Durban, Dee. 14. Four Natal Dutchmen have been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on charges of disloyalty. London, Dec. 14. The fifth division of 11,000 men under Lieut.-General Sir Charles Warren arrives in Capetown within ten days. Military expert! admire the Australian troops, and say they would be more useful if all were mounted. The t'ansport Dsuton Grange, with 13 traction engines, 142 ambulance and other vans, 170 waggons, and a quantity of forage, has gone ashore at Las Palmas. Sydney, Dec. 15. The Estimates passed efter protracted discussion. Prior to submitting the mil taty vi te, the Premier who, with other members of the Cabinet, upon receipt of the news of General Methuen’s reverse had a conference with Major-Geneial French, stated that in view of the sensational news he hal cabled the British Government asking if they desired the colonies to send more troops to South Africa, If the reply was that more troops were wanted he would bring the matter before the House, should it be sitting; otherwise, he would take action to eend the troops away before Tues day and ask the House to ind mnify him afterwards. The announcement was warmly nceivid and, after an assurance was given that the colony would provide arms and anmunit'ou, the vote was passed in gloho, with cheers for the Empire. Brisbane, Dec. 15.

In the Assembly, on tie motion for the adjournment, the Premier stated that he heard with regret of the serious British reverse. He certainly thought Queensland ought to be prepared, with the other colonies, to make a federal movement and send a further comingent to South Africa. He intended conferring with the other Premiers. Mr Dawson hoped before anything was done the House would be consulted. Latest. FILLING UP THE GAPS IN THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE. BLACK WATCH ANDARGYLLS LOSE THEIR COLONELS. GENERAL WARREN AT CAPETOWN. SIXTH DIVISION SAILS TO-DAY : THREE OTHERS GETTING READY. MUST GO BY OCEAN GREYHOUNDS. BRITISH PUBLIC CALM AND RESOLUTE. ANOTHER CANADIAN CONTINGENT READY. CRONJE HAD TO DRAW 4000 FROM MAFEKING. PROPOSED UNITED AUSTRALIA CONTINGENT. GENERAL DOWNES TALKS SENSE. GATACRE REINFORCED: BOERS REPULSED. A GREATER EMPIRE CORPS TO BE FORMED. GENERAL WHITE PREPARING FOR THE RETREAT OF THE BOERS. TREATS THEM TO THEIR OWN TACTICS. London, Dec. 15. Received 15th, 9.30 p.m. Freeh drafts of Highlanders embark to-monow for the Cape. Lieut-General Sir Charles Warren has arrived at Capetown. The first portion of the Sixth Division sails to-morrow, and the Government is actively mobilising the Seventh, and arranging for the Eighth and Ninth Divisions if necessary. The newspapers insist on the employment of rapid transports. There are no signs of panic, the public being patient and resolute. A second Canadian contingent is ready for service. Received 16th k 0.55 a.m. The War Office is preparing another Beige train, and will organise a special mountain corps representing Great Britain and her colonies. Capetown, Dec. 15. Received 15th 9,30 p.m. Cronje’s force at Magersfontein included 4000 from Mafekiog. Received 16tb, 0 55 a.m. Colone's Coode (Black Watch), Goff (Argylls), and Major P. Milton were killed in the attack on Magersfontein. 1800 Boers, advancing eastwards from Arundel in the direction of Naauwpoort, were repuked, with 40 casualties. A battery of artillery has reinforced Gatacre. Durban, Deo. 15. Received 16 h, 0.55 a.m. General White has destroyed the Modderepruit bridge, a few miles north-west of Ladysmith on the road to G’encoe. Sydney, Dec. 15. Received 15;h, 11 p.m. Queensland and Victoria have informed Premier Lyne that they are willing to cooperate in sending a united contingent to South Africa, is necessary. Melbourne, Dec. 15. Received 15th, 11 p.m. General Downes, the local commandant, says that while plenty of men are available he would regret the Imperial Government seeking more from the colonies, as it would be a confession of weakness. The first contingent was justified as a demonstration of patriotism and unity. Brisbane, Dec. 15. Received 15ih, 11 p.m. Lieut.-Col. Byron, Queensland Permanent Force, was wounded at Magersfontein.