CABLE NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 90, 8 April 1902, Page 3

CABLE NEWS

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright

BOER WAR.

STRENGTH OF THE BOERB. PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION. Received 7. 10 56 p.m. London, April 7. A careful computation made at Pretoria shows that the en<-my in the field number something over 8000. The only large comm mdo is that of Delarey, and there is no commando that in not liable to bs disturbed any day by the British columns. GOOD WOKK BY TASMANIANS. SYMPATHY FOR THE CANADIAN • FORCES. Received 7, 10.56 p.m. London, April 7. The Tasmanians turned the flank of 150 Boers belonging to Malan's commando at Taboschpoort, compelling them to retreat. The Baers, occupying a kopje, checked the pursuers. The Tasmanians again threatened to outflank the Boers, who withdrew, the artillery shelling them. Commandant Budorph bad six men wounded. Captain of the Canadian Scouts, captured twelve Boers south of Frankfort. Mr Chamberlain congratulated Canada on the heroism displayed by the Rifles, and expressed grief at the losses and heartfelt sympathy with the relatione. SENSIBLE ADVICE FROM AN UNEXPECTED QUARTER. Received 7,11.18 p.m. London, April 7. The Bush Yeldt Carbineers are now called the Pietersburg Light Horse, retaining only one officer of the original [command. The Independence Beige says the Boer delegates ought to remembar that the Boers who would accept British rule constitute a majoi ity ; therefore it is unfair of the leaders to sacrifice thousands of families to peisonal ambition. THE FIGHT AT BUSHMAN KOP. A LIVELY BRUSH. Received 7,11.37 p.m. London, April 7. Many buvghers in Pretoria have tAken the oath of allegiance, including ' Caejar, Krugers eldest son. Details of the encounter at Bust) man ' Slop, seventeen miles eist of Springs, show that three squadrons of Dragoon Guards and thirty National Scouts were rfconniitreit g. DuriDg the night ( they rode into a Imager at Wil°e River I and took some prisoners. The enemy, ' Kowever, wi re reinforced and delivered ' a determined counter attack, a rearguard action following in splendid style. The Baeis galloped from Leeuwkop, barring the road to the camp. A hundred of them soon sur- . rounded the British, who displayed great gallantry. Colonel Lawley at dawn saw the force was batd pressed 1 and sent the Seventh Hussars to assist. 1 A detatchment of forty, plunging into f the thick of the fight, cleared the way s with their swords. Lawley's guns 3 guns caused the Boers to retreat. The 8 British casualties were eight. Com- j mandant Willem Pratorious was captured. A body of men was sent out 1 and proved that the Boers had aban- ' doned their position. The enemy's * casualties numbered sixty-two, Com- , mandant Prinsloo being wounded. TENTH CONTINGENT. Auckland, April 7. 1 Lieutenant A. J. Gins son, of the Pukekohe Mounted Rifles, has received | a telegram stating that he has been appointed to a lieutenancy in the southern ' battalion of the Tenth Contingent. Wellington, April 5. In connection with the recent arriv a and departure of the troopships Devon and Kent, a question arose with regard to payment of harbour rates. Being vessels engaged in the service of the King for military purposes they were, of course, exempt from payment of such dues, but ss they also took cargo on board for South African ports on account of private shippers, exception was taken to steamers escaping payment which would have to be borne by other trading vessels carrying cargo. The subject was referred to to day by a deputation which waited on Mr Seddon. The latter said harbour boards would in such case be perfectly within their rights in claiming dues en such shipments, otherwise other shippers and firms would be placed at a disadvantage. The Premier aleo said that vesIsels contracting with the Government to carry cargo to South Africa would have to pay ordinary port charges.