THE TRANSVAAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 11662, 22 January 1902, Page 2

THE TRANSVAAL.

TROOPS FROM INDIA. MR KRUGER INSISTS ON INDEPENDENCE. THE WHEREABOUTS OF DE WET. United Press Association —Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received 2.9 p.m., January 21st. LONDON. January 20. In view of the resistance of women who are cultivating fields near Zoutspansberg, 6000 seasoned troops are starting from India

to exchange places with ycung soldiers in Sotilh Africa. ilr Krugcr in i«cent interview .said that the liners would never accept .subjugation first and then autonomy. They ■would insist on independence. De Wet is 17 miles south-east- of Keitss. Lord Kitchener reports that the inoculation of cattle l'or rinderpest is enabling oxtransport to continue to the suiprise of the oldest inhabitant. WASHINGTON, January 20. Mr Webster Davis, a pro-Boer advocate, lias presented a, petition to Congress bearing two hundred thousand signatures, from the south-western States, asking for American intervention in South Africa. WHY THE BOERS PERSIST IN FIGHTING. THE BOERS OF EUROPE. Received 4.50 p.m., January 21st LONDON, January 20. According to the reports of 180 prisoners who have been brought to Slanderton the Boers recognise that their independence has gone but persist in lighting because their leaders insist on it. Botha- is 20 miles east of Krmelo, where the blockhouses are in touch in several groups but there is no cohesion elsewhere. Commandant Wolmarans, who was recently taken prisoner, expresses contempt for the Boers of Europe living at the Republics' expense and fending optimistic reports knowing that they arc false.. SURPRISE OF KLASSEN'S LAAGER. CAPTURE OF A TOWN GUARD.

THE MEAT CONTRACT. Received 12.32 a.m., January 22nd. LONDON, January 21. _ Colonel Kekewich surprised Klassen'u laager at Paardeberg, capturing 11 Boers. Wessels surprised a patrol of 50 of the Craddock Town Guard, and most of them are missing. It is understood that the contract for the supply of meat for the Army m South Africa has been given to a syndicate including Birt, Potter, Hughes, M. Bergl, Houlder Bros., the company co-operating with Cecil Rhodes, Alfred Beit and De Beer's consolidated mines company, who undertake the distributing and establishing a new company for erecting cold stores. It is reported that the price of frozen meat will bo s£d per lb, including distribution. It is reported that the contractors will include a proportion of Argentine meat, the War Office agreeing to'accept this on the ground that Australia is unable to supply the whole, despite the Agent-Generals' representations to the contrary. SYDNEY, January 21. Arrived—Cornwall, from Durban. After coaling she proceeds to New Zealand to embark the troops. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 21. There was a rush of volunteers to the brigade oiiice to-day, which set at doubt as to Auckland being in a position to furnish the necessary quota. Ihe local authorities are confident of the early despatch of the mem if desired, and that, the , Auckland section can be completed in a very short space of time. GISBORNE. January 21. At the Borough Council meeting tonight a patriotic motion was carried congratulating Mr Chamberlain on his vigorous repudiation of the slanderous attacks on the British nation and army and trusting that Coronation Day may see peace in°South Africa. There was a strong expression of opinion that the British shoulrl discriminate between colonial goods and those from the continent. The matter was left to the Chamber of Commerce to take up, it being considered that the Premier s hands should bo strengthened in bringing the suggestion before the Conference of Premiers during coronation time. WELLINGTON, January 21. The Premier states that the troopships Surrey and Cornwall will leave the colony together v.-ith the Eighth Contingent, ami that the date of departure will not be fixed until the arrival of the Cornwall. DUNEDIN, January 21. The Port Chalmers Borough Council unanimously adopted the anti-German ro>olution, and placed on record their admiration of the firm and dignified attitude of the Imperial Government in reference to the South African war. Yesterday the Mayor of Timant, Mr CN. Macintosh, wired as follows: —"Hon. W. Hall-Jones, Wellington. Re Ninth Contingent.—rWould it not. be possible to make timaru the pbrt of departure for the South Island portion of this Contingent; The number of men, and officers who have hailed from Smith Canterbury, and tliegood work done by them, merit the district receiving the suggested honour. Do your best for us."