OPERATIONS IN THE ORANGE FREE STATE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 80, 2 April 1900, Page 2

OPERATIONS IN THE ORANGE FREE STATE.

BOERS AWAITING ATTACK. FIGHTING EXPECTED AT BRANDFORT. (ReceWed 31, 9.30 a.m.) London, March 30. The Boers who were at Clocolanhave returned to Ladybrand, and are strongly posted at Plaatsburg, a little to the southward towards Maseru, expecting to be attacked from that quarter. General Tucker, with a portion of General French's cavalry, is at a glen to the northwards of Bloemfontein. The Boers are concentrating at Brandfort, further north still, where fighting is expected. A FIGHT AT BRANDFORT. A SUCCESSFUL BRITISH MOVEMENT. (Received 1, 6 p.m.) London, March 31. Lord Roberts reports that on Friday, owing to the enemy's activity in his immediate front and the Boers' hostility towards those Free Staters who had surrendered, he instructed .Genorals Tucker, French, and Colonel Legallis' Horse to operate. They were successful in expelling the enemy, and occupied kopjes at Karee Siding, fourteen miles south of Brandfort. One officer was killed and seven wounded. The total casualties were about 100. The enemy retreated to Brandfort. Several Australian Contingents participated in the fighting, and showed great coolness. FURTHER PARTICULARS. GALLANTRY OF COLONIALS. (Received 1, 10 p.m.) London, March 31. In the fight at Karee Siding, kopjes afforded the enemy a good vantage. A severe fire was encountered by the infantry, who pushed to the front, while the cavalry executed a splendid iurnihg movement and compelled the enemy to finally yield. Major Knight's New South Wales Mounted, with Major Legallis' Horse, attacked the right flank on a long chain of kopjes, the fire being very heavy. The steepness of the kopjes prevented the mounted men advancing till the i infantry's frontal attack had been developed. The First Australian Horse and Captain Cox's New South Wales Lancers assisted General French in the flanking movements under a heavy shell fire, displaying great coolness. A number of horses were killed. ENEMY LEAVING BRANDFORT.

Received 2, 2.10 a.m. London, April 1. The enemy we leaving Brandfort, and are trekking to the northwards. GENERAL MKTHUEN'S FORCES RECALLED. Received 31, 9.35 a.m. London, March 30. Lord Roberts lus recalled Lord Methuen'ii forcr, which was operating at Warrenton and Fourteen Streams, to Kiraberley. THE REASON OF THE RECALL. (Received 1, 6 p.m) London, March 31. It is apparent that there is a deadlock on the Yaal River. This is interpreted as a feint to persuade the Boers that they are preventing the relief of Mafeking. Lord Methuen and Colonel Ohesham were at LikatloDg when they were recalled. Other forces were in the vicinity to suffice for the actual necessities of the position. I