THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6721, 16 February 1900, Page 2

THE TRANSVAAL WAR.

NEWS BY THE MAIL. THE MISHAP TO THE SYDNEY LANCERS. THE AFFAIR OF SLINGERSEONTEIN. CAPTAIN MADOCKS' PLUCK AND ENTERPRISE. THE INDOMITABLE COURAGE OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS. United Presj Association— By Electrio Telegraph— Copyright. (Received Feb. 16, 9.35 a.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 16. toe special correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald," describing the recovery of the wounded and killed after the mishap to the New South Wales Lancer patrol, says:— x ' The relief party saw a man making efforts to lift his leg to attract attention. It was Kilpatnck. He was a terrible sight, lhe lower part of his lace was shattered, as if by an explosive- bullet, and he could not speak. He had lain on the ground all night and had traced with his finger on the ground the word " Cold," His wounds had been dressed up roughly, evidently by the Boers. Griffin's body had been buried. It was evident that death was instantaneous. Referring to the fighting at Rendsburg, the " Cape Times " publishes the following telegram : — The distinguishing feature of the skirmish on Monday was the. pluck and indomitable courage of Captain Madocks and the New Zealanders. On Monday morning the enemy commenced to open a. desultory fire on the Yorkshires and New Zealanders. who held a picket on the hills north of Slingersf ontain. The fire inereased in vehemence until it was one continuous roar, preventing. our men from even looking .out. Under cover of their fire a number of Boers, about 200 strong, were* Creeping up the hill, taking advantage of every piece of cover. Captain Orr, of the Yorkshires, fell, badly wounded, and a few men also fell. Captain Madocks. hearing a heavy fire on the Yorkshire's side, rushed up, and found the men wavering. He immediately gave the order to fix bayonets and charge. The effect was magical. The Yorkshires rushed forward. The Boers, however, did liot wait for cold steel, but fled in disorder, falling as they ran to the splendid shooting of our men. Captain Madocks then rushed acrcss to his own men, art! calling oh .them to. follow, charged down the hill, shooting as they ran. Conuell and Gourlay fell here. The Boer loss is estimated at forty killed. Twenty-five bodies could bs counted, as the enemy made no pretence to bury their dead.