The Transvaal.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3834, 21 December 1901, Page 1

The Transvaal.

London. Dec. 18. The King personally conferred the Victoria Cross upon Lieutenant A C. Doxat, of the Imperial Yeomanry, a son of Mr E. T. Doxat, chairman of directors of the Dalgety Company. Lieutenant Doxat won the distinction at Zeeru.it in January last by rescuing an unhorsed comrade under a heavy fire. Lord Kitchener's weekly report states that 31 Boers had been killed, seven wounded, 372 had been taken prisoners, and 43 had surrendered; alao that' 366 rifles and 17,650 rounds of ammunition had been captured. The report adds that satisfactory progress is being made, and that the troops are in excellent spirits. Krnitzinger, in attempting to cross the block house line near Hanover road, was severely wounded and captured, with two adjutants. A number of others were seriously wounded. Major Damson, after chasing 350 Boers, captured 18 at Rhenoster river, also the trek oxen, all the waggons and supplies. Colonel Spence captured 15 of Engelbrecht's Boers in the Ermelo district. Major Gough was severely wounded. A meeting of the vigilance committee at Capetown adopted a resolution protesting against Sir H. Campbell Bannerman's suggestion for the removal of Mr Chamberlain and Lord Milner. Other resolutions declared that the loyalists' retention of office was the best security of a permanent, just, and honourable settlement. The whole tone of Sir H. Campbell Bannerman's speech was regarded as pernicious and prejudicial to Imperial interests. Sir Gordon Sprigg, who presided, said that the outlook was never brighter. The King decorated Nurse Williams, of New Zealand, with the Royal Red Cross. Trooper Tasker has been released from Gosport prison. Dec. 19. Private A- Woodward, Sixth New Zealand mounteds, was severely wounded in the thigh at Drakfontein. Kruitzinger, with 30 followers, invaded Cape Colony, near Colesburg, on the 15th. He attempted on the 16th to go west, and six blockhouses opened fire on the party. Kruitzinger was wounded in the arm and body. Twelve hundred Foot Guards are j preparing to embark for South Africa in the middle of January Dr Krause will be tried in January. The Delagoa Bay railway has been reopened to civil traffic at the rates prevailing prior to the war, also importation of natives for mines. A veteran corps, of yeomanry and colonials who were previously at the front, is being formed at horncliffe for South Africa. One hundred men have already enlisted. Brussels, Dec. 18. In the Chamber of Representatives, M. Beernaart combatted M. Vandervelde's proposal in favour of Belgian intervention in connection with the concentration camps. The Swiss Government, replying to a similar interpellation, announced that it was determined to maintain a strict neutrality. Ottawa, Dec. 18. The Montreal Stsr, replying to German criticisms, says that 18,000 Canadians and Australians have gone to fight for the Imperial principle. The alacrity shown to furnish fresh contingents is proof of the spirit still permeating the colonies. Melbouene, Dec. 18. Captain Currie and Mr J. R. Horsfall yesterday interviewed Mr Barton on the question of sending more troops to South Africa. Subsequently, Mr Barton announced that it was not the intention of the Federal Government to take further steps to send any more troops. Wellington, Dec. 18. Lord Roberts has cabled to the Premier congratulating New Zealand on the further proof of its loyalty to the Mother Country, and the army in South Africa on being reinforced by an. English Continent of New Zealanders. A cablegram from the Agent-General to the Premier states that in response to a request made by Mr Reeves the Commander in-Chief has undertaken to order Trooper Tasker's immediate release. Mr Chamberlain, through whom the announcement is made, says that the course adopted is very exceptional, and that His Majesty's Government has been influenced by an anxiety to show how warmly it appreciates the many proofs New Zealand has given of its patriotism and devotion to the interests of the Empire. The North Island battalion of the Eighth Contingent will go into camp at Trenthatu near the Hutt, and the South Island battalion at Addington, Christchurch. Dec. 19. The following soldiers returned via Sydney in the Monowai, this morning : Lieutenant Joyce, Christchurch, Corporal Fairclough, Otago. Trooper Morrish, Marlborough, and Trooper Tatam, South Canterbury.

The Queensland Premier has received a telegram from the Victorian Premier, stating that in the event of the Federal Government not taking steps to send a \ contingent, Victoria would'be prepared to take action. Mr Philp wired to the New South Wales Premier, suggesting that all the States should join in the movement. Up to Thursday night over 80applications had been received at Timaru, 320 at Auckland, 50 at Wanganui, 257 at Wellington, 75 at Palmerston North for enrolment in the Eighth Contingent. Many of the applicants are returned troopprs. Important notices to intending recruits will be found in our advertising columns. The Australian Press has been lavish in its praise of Mr Seddon's offer of additional troops, and Mr Barton's inaction has been freely condemned. ]