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H.—6c

July 2 : At Wonderfontein passed the rearguard of Colville's column and destroyed the beautifully-furnished home of Field-Cornet Pretorius, from which we had deported a family on the previous trek. Marched and encamped at Paarlmeitfontein, the farm or station of a wealthy Boer. July 3, 4, and 5 : Still in camp. Sent out daily patrolling forces to destroy farms and bring in families. Heliographed message from General Blood to move outward to Springs for further supplies and orders. July 6 : The family of Meyers was removed and their homestead destroyed. When the column marched, an ambush of twenty men was detailed to occupy the destroyed house, to surprise any Boers that might, as usual with them, close in upon the rear after the column had moved. The surprise was not quite a success, but the party succeeded in wounding and capturing the adjutant of the Boer Scouts, Captain Prinsloo, a man of considerable importance. July 7 : Reached Springs, near railway-line, and encamped to await orders. July 9 : Came on to Pretoria to furnish all rolls, pay-lists, &c, being pressed for by headquarters staff. Reverting to the foregoing report, I have not detailed the losses sustained by the enemy nor the captures made by the column, in prisoners, women and children, cattle, sheep, wagons, arms, ammunition, &c. It is but just to the Contingent to state that absolutely all the captures made during the several treks in this report were by the New-Zealanders. The headquarters of the regiment have been, pending further orders, removed to Pretoria. I have, &c, T. W. Porter, Lieut.-Colonel New Zealand Staff. The Commandant, Defence Forces, New Zealand.

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