THE TRANSVAAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 11620, 2 December 1901, Page 2

THE TRANSVAAL.

RIFLES MISSING FROM CAPTURED BOERS. A SPECIALIST'S OPINION OF THE WAR. United Press Association—Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received 9.9 a.m., November 30th. LONDON, November 29. Although 13,000 Boers have been accounted for since May, only 4400 rifles have been taken. Fifteen Indian staff corps officers are going to South Africa. Captain Mahan, the well-known specialist, on naval and military affairs, criticising the Boer war, writes: —" Doubtless the general public everywhere consider that Britain has lost prestige, but more careful spectators, especially foreign Governments, believe that the Empire emerges stronger and better, notably as regards the military aspects of the colonies."

ADELAIDE, November 30. The Persic has arrived with a number of returned soldiers, including six New Zealanders.

MORE TROOPS NEEDED. THE BOERS GETTING ANXIOUS. Received 5.3 p.m., December Ist LONDON, November 30. The " Times' " Pretoria correspondent states that more troops are needed to accelerate the attrition of the Boers, and that the frequent meetings of the enemy to discuss the situation show that they aro less pleased with the prolongation of the struggle. They ought to be.hustled everywhere whilst in this state of mind.

ATTEMPT TO CROSS THE RAILWAY. REPULSED BY THE BRITISH. Received 1.8 a.m., December 2nd. LONDON, December 1. Several hundred Boers made a determined attempt to cross the railway at West Middleburg, Transvaal, but were repulsed, suffering considerably. From the beginning of ISO?, no persons will be allowed to land at the Cape and Natal without a permit certifying thtk their' character is satisfactory, and that they aro in possession of means for their maintenance.