THE WAR AT THE CAPE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 1478, 17 June 1879, Page 2

THE WAR AT THE CAPE.

[By Ible&bafh.]

Bmtff, June 16. The following additional Cape news is to hand per Tararua :— & tewayo is reported to be more enraged than ever. It is not to be imagined that he thinks of giving m. Indeed, he says it is impossible now, and were he to attempt surrender he would be at once assassinated by his people. He also stated that he is beginning to feel tbe effect of desertions, and that ho has taken steps to prevent more of bis people deserting. He ordered the natives on tho border who have friends and relations on the British side to be removed further inland, and sent others m their places, intimating to them that should they desert, their relations at home, whom they left behind them, will bo made to suffer. Tbe new men sent down are said to be some of Cetewayo's, co it is necessary to keep a sharp look out. Maguender, half-brother to Cetewayo, surrendered with about twenty men at Ginginhlova. Ho a 1 at (d that there was great consternation m Zululand, owing to the recent defeats, and that one more would finish the war. Dabulamanza, Cetewayo's principal brother and leading general, aho made overtures to the British, and if he surrenders it will have a most depressing effect upon the Zulu army. An extraordinary statement has been received from the natives at lower Tugela, to the effect that Cetewayo has burnc his kraal, and returned to North-west Zululand with his wives, cattle, and a large army. It is suspected, however, that this report may be spread with a view to the lulling of suspicion, especially as the Zulus are known to be swarming close up to the lowest borders. Preparations for a new campaign are being carried out, but the difficulty of providing transport is increasing, while every effort is mude to surmount it. General Crenlonk at Lower Tugala directed the graßg to be burnt, with the view of obtaining an early crop. From General Wood's camp wo learn that the Zulus are also burning the grass m that neighborhood. A bridge is being constructed across the Lower Tuge'a. Umbeluie is mortally wounded. A bullet entered at tbe shoulder, and passed out below his waist. The loss of this active, bloodthirsty warrior is greatly deplored. Anxiety is again expressed regarding the defence of the border, the wliolo of tbe regular cavalry having gone to Ladismouth aud Doornberg. From all sources rumors come that it is not unlikely tho Zulus may try to rußh into Natal as a dernier resort. Operations at Orange river have been successfully carried on. A successful attack was made by Commandant McTaggart upon two strongly fortified islands, on tbe 27th April. He drove tbe defeuders pell mell into the river. Forty-six dead bodies were counted, but the actual loss of the enemy m killed and wounded must have been at least 100. Their leader, Nicholas Petrus Lucas, was, with other head nun, shot. Preparations are being made for giving Sir Bartle Frere an enthusiastic reception on hi return to Cape Town. At a public dinner given to him at Potchelstown, on 4th May, His Excellency repeated what hebad stated to the assembled Boers as to his belief m the entire finality of the war. He hoped that all patriotic inhabitants of the Tranßvaal wonld now address tbemßelres to aiding the Government m finishing the Znln war, and carry ont the practical measnres m internal improvement and exerciso of each self-government as the British Government were willing and anxious to see them exercise to the f nil extent. -In expressing his gratitude for the support given by public, opinion m South Africa.. to his measnres, His Excellency •. raid; tb*t no private or personal -feeling ever interfered with .hiV giving " 'the beet aervico.hu

Could reutier to his .-overei^n and country, as long as Her Majesty's Government thought fiat hi 3 services could be useful to the imponunt measures they are carrying out m South Africa. The Prince Imperial is very popular st Mauritzburg, and Frenchmen aro leaving the diamond fields to serve under him. Three thou and s patients are m the Natal Military Hospitals. Tiiere is the prospect of a speedy termination to the war at the Orange Kiver. It is generally reported that Cotewayo asks why are the English s > like ant bears to hide m holes (referring to their entrenchment). If they will come out once m the open and beat him, he will, fight no more, but will give m. The gunboat Forester is making surveys, to ascertain the possibility of landing troops on the coast. It is reported thot it is impossible to do so at Point Durnford, but it is hoped that a landing will be effected somewhere near tbe Umkulus. The High Commissioner, on the afternooa of May 15th, with most enthusiastic receptioni. Mequendya, Cetewayo's brother, who surrendered on seeing our horses, men, and guns, taid " I have grown wiser m a day," meaning that had he been better informed, he would not have taken up arms against us. The average shots fired per regular at Ginginhlovo was 62, and the average for the whole force was 10. Much execution was done, by tho rockets, and fourteen Zi\\xa were killed by one charge.