The Transvaal War

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 6432, 3 January 1900, Page 3

The Transvaal War

♦ LATEST CABLE HEWS. Pre?* As-ooirtt!on.—Elcctrlo TeWni|'lt.— ICojnrijjlit 1 Cojnrijjlit FIGHTING IN CAPE COLONY.

GENERAL FRENCH'S SUCCESS,

(Rewired Janiiar} 2, II m.l

Gai'KTOWN, Jannnry 2.

Reports from the northern part of Capo Colony stale than on Sunday, Gonoi-al French made a rapid night march from Arundel, tho infantry companies riding in waggons in order to travel with greater spued. At dawn on Monday morning the enoiny wero fotiud strotching over; six miles of couutiy on I lie hills around Oulesborg. The British column snon moved into action, tho infantry, supported by ton guns, opened a feint attack on tho front, the artillery lire doing much oxecution and silencing the enemy's guns, Meanwhile tho cavalry and light artillery, operating on the right, turned tho burghors' Hank. This movomont surprised and dismayed tho enomy, who, fearing that thoir retreat would ho cut oIV, lied eastward. General Frondi's column then marchod on and occupied Oolesberg.

A detachment, of Now South Wales troops and lYow Zealand mouutod infantry (under Major Min) took part in the engagement.

I Received January 2,11 pm.l Capetowx, January 2,

During Sir William Gatacro's reconnaissance towards Dordrecht, forty of Captaiu Montmorency's scouts were intercepted by the onemv.

They look refuge in a donga (or dry water-course) nnd resisted tho repeated attacks of eight hundred Boors. E.veiituiilly a hundred mill fifteen mounted rifles with four guns relieved them in the morning, the Boers retreating bofore the new arrivals.

The party of scouts had two mon wounded and all their Imrsos shot. The Boers lost thirty-eight killed and wounded. A force of twelvo hundred railway pioneers has boon enrolled at the Cape, mostly made up of oxJohannesburg mechanics.

Lieu.-Colonel Kokewich, commander of the garrison at Kimberley, has sent a heliograph message from the beleaguered town, convoying New Year greetings and thanks for a recent encouraging message from the (jueen.

(Received January if,l a.ml.

Sydney, January 2.

In connection with the statements cabled to tko colonies regarding the lack of trausport. facilities at the front, a deputation from thcChamber of Commerce asked the Government to-day to inform the Imperial authorities that waggons could bo turned out here nt the rate of fifty per week, The deputation was asked to supply a quotation of the price at which the work could be done.

Durban, January 2,

The line of railway running between Colenso and Ladysmith has been destroyed by the enemy. It is reported that the headquarters of General Joubert are ensconced in the hills towards Springfield. It is believed the hoavy siege gun that was posted on lsiiubuiwaua mountain has been taken in that direction.

EFFECT OF THE WAlt OX COLONIAL TRADE.

(Received January 3,11.31) a.m.)

Melboukxk, January 3.

The Lord Mayor of London has cabled to the Premier askiug if it is possible to deliver four hundred saddles and two hundred draught horses at the Cape by the end of January for the use of Imperial volunteers.

THE VOYAGE OF THE WAIWEKA. HOW OUR HORSES FARED.

(By Telegraph -Press Association i

Wellington, Tuesday,

A Press Association special writing under date and place, Maitland Camp, Capetown, November 24th, says: —" Though we only lost twelve horses out of 257, unfortunately they were some of the most valuable. Sergeant Hazlett's hurdler, Master Sockbnrn, waa tbe first to succumb. Trooper Birthrop lost his brown gelding well known in tbe Hawera Hunt, and Captain Madocks' chestnut horse died just before reaching Albauy. Grass fed horses got on better than those in higher training The space on board was so confined that drill conld only be carried out in small squads, but.everyone kept hard at work and the time passed quickly. Heavy weather was encountered after leaving Albany, aud some nasty falls occurred, Trooper Hunt slipped heavily on his back and is only now able to get about slowly.

We were off East London on Noyember 20th, and next day ordered to Capetown to the great disappoint, ment of all, especially as we passed troopship after troopship bound for Natal. We had all hoped we should be " acting on oar own." The last three days on board were spent in packing. The men got their kits down to fifty pounds each excluding rations for man and forage for horse. We reached the Cape on 23rd November aud the men were pleased to find the Medic not there before us. Lieutenant Matthews of the Hawera Mounted Hides, who had just arrived from Kngland, joined the New ZealanderS at the Cape, Little information could be obtained as to the movements of the contingent and the men were warned by the disembarking officer, who came on board at the Cape, not to divulge any information they might liuve or orders received.

Had the contingent arrived in Port Elizabeth a few hours lator, it would have been sent to Natal instead of Capetown, as events had suddenly demanded the immediate disembarkation of some troops there.

Immediately after arrival at the Cape, Captain Ward, who was in search of n billet, was appointed Staff Officer to the New Zealand contingent. Disembarkation was delayed owing to the landing of 2000 mules from America,

As the Waiwera proceeded through the transports to the wharf, she was cheered to tho echo and the New Zealander's war cry caused much wonder and amusement.

We began landing horses and luggage at G a.m. on November 24th. The horses bobaved splendidly, and wero walked off to camp, still unshod.

The New Zealandera received every aasistanco from the Inniskillin Dragoons. The New Zealand horses compared favorably with those from Ktigland. Trooper Hunt was sent to Winberg, being unable to accompany the contingent.

ACCIDENT TO A. TKOOl'Elt AT WEL LINGTON,

Wellington, Wednesday. While at riding exercise this morning two of the contingent privates, natned Signall, of Marton, and Chapman, of Napier, wero thrown, The latter is seriously injurod.

' Reader,'—The Premier, we atei nlormcd wears a" Mandia" shiri.-Auvr,