CABLE NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 58, 28 February 1902, Page 3

CABLE NEWS

■Bi Elkctbic Telegraph.— CopraiGHii

BOER WAR.

' GENERAL ITEMS. PER mess vsscciation. London, February 26. De Wet'u native cattle driveis are deserting wholesale. To the end of November the Cape furnished 11,300 recruits for the Boers; Woodhouse (Mr Merritiian's seat) snp-J plying 1027, Aliwal 2156 and Barkly East 94. Districts representing the ] Afrikander Bond aveiaged three rebels to every one representing the Progressives. Vilonel, with 1500 National Scouts, actuated by a patriotic desire to end " the criminal struggle," expressed a determination to capture Da Wet and Steyn. Six hundred Boers, driving a herd of cattle, rushed the outposts of Pofcterasburg on Sunday night. A number escaped abandoning everything. Fifteen were killed and six wounded. The New Zealanders displayed the greatest gallantry on the occasion. Lieutenant-Coiouel Sir Leslie Bundle is returning to England from South Africa. Mr. Copeland, interviewed, said that in order to ensure against unsuitable remounts the War Office ought to contract with Australian breeders for a reasonable period instead of grea' ly neglecting that inexhaustible sourer. They were declining strong Australian hoiseß at 12 guineas when paying 35 in Hungary and Argentine. Received 27,10.41 p.m. London, February 27., Ben Yiljoen has been sent to St. Helena.

ATTACK ON A CONvOY ESOORT. ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE LINE. Received 28, 1,15 a.tti. Losdon, February 27. Boers from another district suddenly appearing south-west of Klerksdorp, captured Colonel Youdodops empty Wolmaranstad convoy, which was being escorted by the fifth battalion of Yeomanry and three companies of the Northumberland Fusiliers with two gune. The fighting was severe and the enemy retired, being pursued, Boers tried to cross the blockhouse line eastwards of Tafelkop during the night when a heavy rain was falling, and soino succeeded after a number of casualties. Bothasberg, the scene of the recent conflict, is southwards if Viedet

NINTH CONTINGENT. Auckland, February 27. The total strength in camp is about 530. , The want of sufficient officers is severely felt by the hard worked officers in eimp. There were this morning about 400 Loises in camp, and mora are arriving daily. Only 200 saddles have so far been delivered. The general health of the camp has much improved during the last few days. The officers of the battalion are pleased with the suggestion that the force should be provided with a brass band. There are a larpn number of good musicians amongtt the members. Dunedik, February 27. Captain Nioolson of the Fourth Contingent has been appointed Adjutant of the South Island section of the Ninth. Commissions huve been given to Lieutenant Johnstone of First Westland Rifles, Lieutenant Oollis of Waitaki Mounted Rifles, and E. Haz'.ett of the First Contingent. The send-off to the South Islam t section of the Ninth Contingent is definiiely fixed firm Port Chalmers fcr Wednesday, March 12th.