Wairarapa Daily Times. [Established Quarter of a Century.] THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 1900. THE COLESBURG VICTORY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 6433, 4 January 1900, Page 2

Wairarapa Daily Times. [Established Quarter of a Century.] THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 1900. THE COLESBURG VICTORY.

In Africa the exigencies of military movements compel ut little work on Sundays. Last week the Hour forces in the northern part of Cape Colony were stationed at Colesburg and the British forces under General French were a few miles south at Arundel. It was only on Sunday last that. General French made a rapid night march from his own head-quarters, taking bis infantry companies with liini in waggous, in order to gel. over the ground more quickly. Bright aud early on Monday morning the General put in an unexpected appearance at Colesburg and found the Boer army encamped over six miles of the hilly country surrounding that town. An engagement followed, which ended in the rout of the Boers, who are reported to lifivc lletl eiisMmd, ;i direction which would take thorn back home again to tho Orango Free Stale. This is good news, for the British Hag now waves at Colesburgin place of I be Boer banner, and the invasion of Cape Colony from the Orange Free State is virtually checked, The position now seems to be that General French is in an excellent position, close to the Orango Free Statu border, und that when he is ready he can cross it, and carry the war into the enemy's territory. There is some reason I" belieye that the Boers from the Orange Free State are already discouraged and dispirited,and this successful movement on the part of General French will bnvu an excellent effect. To the layman it would appear that General French is redeeming the lost prestige of the commanding ollicers in South Africa. The British generals have certainly been a littlo wooden in this campaign, but tlio victory at Colesburg will go a long way towards restoring public confidence in their skill. Their valour never has been questioned, but their tactical ability bus not as yet been much in evidence. At last General French lias proyed that he possosses it. The New Zealand contingent under Major Robin took part in tho Colesbuhg expedition, aud "our boys" have shared ut brilliant and successful engagement, and doubtless have done honour to this Colony and good service to the Umpire. New Zealand will feel proud of them, aud will anxiously wait further intelligence of hoiv they fought and how they fared. There are thousands of young men in this Colony who will envy them the opportunities they now enjoy of distinguishing themselves in real warfare. " Uur boys" are good lighting material or tlicy would not so soon have been placed in a position of dangor and responsibility. May they reach Pretoria before the campaigu closes, and witness the final triumph of the British arms.