LATER FROM THE CAPE.

Timaru Herald, Volume IV, Issue 96, 16 March 1866, Page 5

LATER FROM THE CAPE.

REVERSES OF THE BOERS. DISTRESS IN PORT ELIZABETH. [From the Port Louis Gazelle, Dec. 18.] The Free State Burghers have suffered a disastrous reverse. The Basutos have resumed the offensive, and attacked two camps, killing several of the farmers, and retaking their lost cattle. What is of more moment m the history of this war is the announcement that another camp is beleaguered. From this it would seem that the Basutos are systematically besieging- their enemies, and closing" m upon their encampments. Graham's Town, Nov. 24. Disastrous news from the free states. The Corannaberg camp attacked by a large body of Basutos. Six burghers and two coloured servants killed and two waggons and half the Boers' cattle and horses carried away. I A great many Boers wounded, and the camp now beleaguered. 1 1 is also reported that sixteen Boers of the great lager have been killed and wounded by Basutos, and Fauresmith and Bloemfontein divisons killed, while cutting wood.

The Eastern Province Herald supplies die following- : — " Port Elizabeth during the whole course of our experience has never exhibited so gTeat a dearth of business and employment as at the present moment. In business hours, and during what is m ordinary times the most busy part of the day, the main street looks empty and desolate. The worst of the matter is that there is no immediate prospect of recovery, but rather the contrary. House and store rents, where the leases have run out, when renewed at all, are renewed on much lower terms. Altogether the amount of what some would call "genteel poverty " which prevails is something very pitiable, and it shows itself even m such matters as the reduction of the stipends of ministers and others. Port Elizabeth is suffering- silently, but

severely, and we might almost add generally ; for while some have little to live on, others have to eat into capital, or take from the little store laid up against a rainy day. Not even the strictest investigation would suffice to bring out all the quiet suffering which is being patiently endured m Port Elizabeth, because those who are suffering are not made of the "stuff" to court, or even to endure, the advances of charity, though they would doubtless gladly profit by the offer of liberal emp.oyment, suited to their respective wants."