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occupation of Slingersfontein, from which a good deal of reconnaisances, &c, were executed. Oh Wednesday night (10th January) a key position in the defence of the camp, now called " New Zealand Hill," was handed over to me with the two companies, to hold and relieve until infantry arrived. From that time I organized the reliefs and posted same, our two companies relieving each other in twenty-four-hour reliefs. The enemy were on the other end of the kopje, and came up to long-range fire, despite the artillery. For three or four days the sniping continued at each other. On the morning of the 13th a company of Yorks Eegiment arrived and reinforced No. 1 Company. On the night of the 14th No. 2 Company relieved No. 1, and from early morning a heavy fire was kept up by the enemy, rather more than on the morning before. About 10.30 the enemy began to rush up a dead piece of ground just where the New Zealand and Yorks pickets joined. Captain Madocks made his way down there and did most excellent work, the Yorks having had their officer badly wounded, sergeant-major shot dead, and other losses. Little fire had been used by our men at this time, as little is ever seen of the enemy. By this time the enemy had come up to about 30 yards below the sangars we always build when having to occupy any kopje. The York men fixed bayonets and seven or eight of them rushed up to the front breastwork, whereupon the Boers retired to some boulders and breastworks a short way off, and fire was exchanged, the enemy's bullets going through the York sangar, wounding and killing some. The New-Zealanders then came running up, and, fixing bayonets, were led by Captain Madocks to a second charge. Sergeant Gourlay and Trooper Connell fell, shot, but the Boers bolted from all their positions, showing large numbers in flight. Captain Madocks estimates from forty to fifty Boers rushed the sangars. A heavy fire was kept up between the two parties, our men firing 2,450 rounds. There is no doubt that the action of Captain Madocks saved the hill, as the Yorks, from loss of their officers, were fast becoming disheartened. This action ended about 11.30. Beinforcements of another company of Yorks, and the guns going out to flank of hill, kept matters as before, and the pickets were relieved as usual that night. General French was delighted, and the following morning addressed the New Zealand men, saying he had once before reported their conduct to the Commander-in-Chief, after the action on the 18th December, at Jasfontein, already reported to you, and he had greater pleasure in again reporting the New Zealand men to the Commander-in-Chief. I trust that the services of Captain Madocks on the 15th January will be recognised by the authorities. Both companies have now been well tried. The companies are just now separated. No. 2 is at Slingersfontein, and four days ago No. 1 was told off as part of a flying column to occupy a rebel post at Potsfontein. I accompanied the party on Colonel Porter's staff, Captain Davies commanding the company. Potsfontein was occupied with four guns, one squadron Guards, two squadrons 6th Dragoon Guards, and ourselves. The New Zealend Mounted Eifle men had again to occupy the key position, and hold it for the day and night. Next evening, at very short notice, the New-Zealanders and two troops of Life Guards had to march out and join Major Eimington, atKleinfontein, right under the Boers. This was done. Yesterday afternoon, about 3 p.m., a general turn-out at short notice was necessary to keep the enemy back, he showing signs of aggressiveness—and no wonder, as we are near his line of communication. No. 1 had a ' go' for a kopje, but it was too strongly held, the patrol and covering-scouts only being engaged, as the fire showed it to be widely held. I directed Captain Davies to occupy the kopje covering it, and also one that would prevent him turning our flank and cutting us off. This was successfully done, in conjunction with the Eimingtons and Guards, and two guns, hastily sent up from Potsfontein Camp: the Boers were checked, and after dusk retired. To-day there are no signs of them, and yesterday the main part of the division started with two howitzers with lyddite, and caused great stir and commotion among the Boers. We suppose they are back on the Noropont Eoad. We cannot go much further, as we are connected in the air by Potsfontein, and the keeping up supplies is difficult. Both horses and men here know what it is to be short of food, and we are all dead tired, but willing. We have only heliograph communication, and by an occasional orderly. I hear that No. 2 Company is still at Slingsfontein, and doing light patrol duty. The country round here seems fairly clear of rebels and Boers, but they still hold out at Colesberg. General French and General Clements were up this morning for a couple of hours, and we will probably rest for a few days. I regret to have to report that on the 15th January, 1900, at Slingersfontein, two men were killed: (1.) Sergeant Samuel Gouiiey, No. 104, No. 2 Company (Dunedin, Otago), was shot in three places in head about 11 a.m. ; he was still breathing, and brought to camp, but expired at 10 p.m. same night. All that was possible was done for him by the medical staff. A first-rate sergeant, most popular with the men ; a sterling soldier, and one whose loss will be felt by all during the remainder of the campaign. The sympathy of Sergeant Gourley's glorious death should live in the minds of all New-Zealanders. (2.) Trooper John Vaille Douglas Connell, No. 119, No. 2 Company (Auckland), was killed on the same day and time. He was a steady, painstaking, and excellent soldier. His name will be remembered by all, with the sergeant he died beside, and most heartfelt sympathy of us all is felt for his mother in Auckland. There were no more casualties to-day, though many marvellous escapes. I have at all times tried to ingrain into our men the necessity of taking or making intelligent cover, and am glad to say this is well attended to, and, although they have been many times exposed to fire, none have been hurt while in cover. The loss of the two men named was during the charge. By the time that sick, casualties, cooks, batmen, horse-holders, transport guards, and other necessary orderlies and details are deducted I always am short of men when dismounted duty has to be done, and have continually to remind the Brigade Adjutant and Staff Officer that our company does not mean the same strength as the Imperial companies. Again, sir, you will agree with me that the present companies have gained a great amount of experience, and know what both shell- and rifle-fire is,