THE TRANSVAAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 3558, 4 May 1901, Page 3

THE TRANSVAAL.

United Press Association—Per Ek^strio Telegraph—Copyright. Received 9.22 a.m., May 3rd. LONDON, May 2,' A strong column is starting to repress an outburst of Boer activity in Klerksdorp district - - The Boers generally are suffering great hardships, from the extreme cold and deficient commissariat. There are six thousand Boer refugees in the concentration camp at Potchefstroom. The British are depasturing grat numbers oi captured stock in Zululand.

THE FIGHT AT MALADATINE.

THE GARRISON AT ZEERUST.' STILL BLOCKADED. GENERAL COLVTLLE'S DESPATCH. Received 10.46 p.m., May 3rd. LONDON, May 3. Details of the fighting at Maladatine show that Nkongeninek commanded the highway. The enemy's vanguard was expelled thence before daylight. The Boers, imagining in the darkness that the British were numerous, retreated, leaving a strong fighting rearguard. The garrison at Zeerust are still being blockaded. On April 29th they captured a supply of fresh meat. In the House of Commons, Mr Brodrick, referring to General Colville's recently published 'despatch, dealing with the attack on Cronje's laager at Paardeburg, said that General Kelly Kenny commanded on March 18th of last year, the date mentioned by General ColvUle, Lord Kitchener assisting General Kelly Kenny to control the action. Mr Brodrick also stated that owing to the prolongation of the war, the allowances to the wives of soldiers serving, in South Africa would be fifteen pence per day. Several farmers have been sentenced at Colesburg to terms of from six to twelve months' imprisonment for misleading British troops, and not reporting the enemy. The following are British casualties: — Victorian Bushmen: Sergeant Hurst and Corporal Gobell, killed; Private Clay, severely wounded at Zuursfontein; Mounted Rifles: Sergeant Everell, dangerously wonnded.

Per Press Association. NELSON, May 3. Gunner Sidney Harford, formerly of the Nelson Navals, who joined the British Navy, and his time expiring just as the war in South Africa commenced, he joined the Natal Navals and went through the fighting in Natal. Subsequently he died of enteric fever at Natal. The Government have now sent his mother, Mrs Harford, of "Nelson, a gratuity of £75, as well as her late son's full pay from October 16th to March 31st, and also intimated that she has been granted a life annuity of £35. Deceased's effects, including the Queen's gift of chocolate, are being forwarded to Mrs Harford.

THE RETURNING TROOPS. We are requested to publish the following correspondence, which explains itself : - "Timaru, 29th April, 1901. "John Hole, Esq., Mayor of Timaru. "Dear Mr Hole, —As all the troopers returning during the coming month per s.s. Tomgariro left our shores during your Mayoralty, I would be very pleased if you would consent to the postponement of my installation until after the welcome to our boys. You took a great interest in each Contingent as it left our shores, and it is my sincere wish that you should have the pleasure of welcoming them on their return home, on behalf of the people of Timaru.—Yours truly, " C. N. MACINTOSH." "Borough Council Chambers, "Timaru, May 3rd, 1901. "C. N. Macintosh, Esq., Mayor-Elect, Timaru. "Dear Sir, —In acknowledging the receipt of your letter, please accept my best thanks. At the same time I must point out that it will be necessary for you to make the statutory declaration on the Bth instant, that date being fixed under the provisions of the Muncipal Councils Act 1900. The installation ceremony could be held over until such date as would meet your convenience.—Yours faithfully, "JOHN HOLE, Mayor. "P.S.—I shall have much pleasure in complying with your request to welcome the returning troopers per s.s. Tongariro, on behalf of my fellow-townsmen.—J.H."

THE RETURNING TROOPERS. A meeting of the Reception and Decoration Committee was held in the Borough Council Chambers yesterday afternoon. There were present His Worship the Mayor, Messrs Eiby, Young, Aldred, Macintosh, Knnbley and Gillies. His Worship read various telegrams from the Hon. Hall-Jones with regard to the returning troops, but nothing definite had been, decided. It was hoped, however, a special train would convey the South Canterbury men to Timaru next Thursday. His Worship stated that good progress had been made with the triumphal arch under the able supervision of Sergeant-Major Bradley, and it would form a handsome decoration. Donations had been receipted from the Trades Association and from the Licensed Victuallers Association, and a special vote of thanks was accorded to them. His Worship the Mayor and Mr P. W. Eiby were appointed to arrange for decorations at the shed and for refreshments. Mr Eiby also promised to have decorations placed on the mill. Messrs Young and Aldred were appointed to arrange for decorations at the station and platform. It was decided that His Worship the Mayor (Hon. Hall-Jones, if present), and Lieut-Col. Bailey should deliver addresses of welcome at the station, and the Ven. Archdeacon Harper (chaplain to the. Forces) be asked to offer a special prayer of thanksgiving; the Mayor-elect to deliver an address at the drill shed. The triumphal arch is to be erected at the foot of Strathallan street, as this is the only place where it can be guyed safely. The elevated floor of the old grain shed close by will make an admirable platform for the speakers. The Mayors of Te-

muka, Waimate, chairmen of all local bodies, ministers of religion and reception committee, with parents of returning troopers will occupy the platform. Captain Gillies (on behalf of the secretary, Captain Jackson) reported that the'procession committee had matters well in hand, and that the Volunteers, Fire Brigade and Friendly Societies would, line the road from the station to the platform. After the speeches the troopers (mounted) would proceed to the drill shed, accompanied by the Brass Bands and Timaru Pipe Band, and Volunteers and .Societies. His Worship, before leaving the chair, stated that he hoped the citizens would rise to the occasion and decorate the streets from one end to the other.