NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS FOR SOUTH AFRICA: HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF TWO CAPTURED GUNS.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, H-06f

H.—6f

1901. NEW- ZEALAND.

NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS FOR SOUTH AFRICA: HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF TWO CAPTURED GUNS.

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives dated the 3rd day of October, 1901. Ordered, " That there be laid before tbia House a return giving a historical account of the two guns now outside the Parliament Buildings—when obtained, how obtained, and from whom obtained."—Mr. Houston.

Historical Account of the Two Guns now outside Paeliament Buildings— when obtained, HOW OBTAINED, AND FEOM WHOM OBTAINED. Lieut.-Colonel Davibs, C.8., commanding Fourth New Zealand Eegiment, states that towards the end of last February, while the regiment was under General Babington's command, it was camped for some time on a hill called Naauwpoort, near the Magaliesberg Eanges, Western Transvaal, about twenty-five miles west of Krugersdorp. That during that time information was received that two guns, a Krupp and a Vickers-Maxim or pom-pom, were buried on a farm belonging to John De la Eey, a brother of General De la Bey's, and the Fourth New Zealand Eegiment covered the party that dug the guns up and brought them back to camp. That on the 24th March last the Fourth New Zealand Eegiment, under General Babington, together with the Sixth New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, were mainly instrumental in capturing nine guns from General De la Eey, via., six Maxims, two Krupps, and one pom-pom. That in the beginning of May last, during a combined movement against the enemy at Hartebeestfontein, near Klerksdorp, a Krupp gun was unearthed. That just before leaving Cape Town, on the 12th March, he was informed that a Krupp and a pom-pom had been given to the Fourth and Fifth New Zealand Eegiment to take back to New Zealand as trophies of war in recognition of the good service rendered by .them. Lieut.-Colonel Davies, C.8., states that he is practically certain the pom-pom is the one taken in February, and the Krupp the one taken in May. The gift of the guns appears to have been obtained through the good offices of General Babington. Aethue P. Douglas, Under-Secretary for Defence. Defence Office, Wellington, 25th October, 1901. Approximate Cost of Paper - .—Preparation, uot given; printing (1,200 copies). 17s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. —1901. Price 3d.]