LORD ROBERTS' DESPATCH.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 April 1901, Page 3

LORD ROBERTS' DESPATCH.

[ur ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. —COPYRIGHT.]

(PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION).

His Estimate of his Officers.

General French Evidently First,

Received this clay, at 8 59 a.m. London, April 17. Eoberts in his despatch continued that White was mainly responsible for preventing Natal being completely overrun by the Boers. His gallant defence of Ladysmith, and the prowess of his troops will live in the annals of the Army. Methuen's keeping his command always ready together with the rapidity of his movements, untiring energy, and conspicuous courage largely contributed to the comparative quiet in which tlie Boers on the western Transvaal border were kept. Lieut.-Colonel J. J Byron, of the Royal Australian Artillery, Lieut. R. Soddon, of New Zaaland. together with other aides-de-camp to the Commander-in-Chief, performed their duties loyally and well as despatch beard. They have tributes the worth of Prince Christian Victor, who died of typhoid fever, at Pretoria, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gallais who was lulled in action. Roberts eulogises H unter, Tucker, Rundie, Kelly-Kenny and Powell, particular, ising each. French, Roberts says, has an exceptional nerve, soldierlike qualities, sound judgement, unerring instinct, and perfect loyalty. His services have been of incalculable value to the Empire. Charles Knox is a gallant soldier, sound strategist and good tactician. Hutton who commanded the Australian nnd Canadim Mounted Infantry Brigade ''had uubounded energy, and did great -•**' service.

Col Ward, now permanent under Secretary to the War Offico as Director of Supplies was unique as a Departmental Officer with a genius character. Hector MacDonald showed energy. Broadwood was a gallant leader. Henry Plumer Pileher and Brabant are eulogised for their services. De Lelisle is one of the best deserving junior officer brought int'J prominence by iho war, having resolution quicknoss and daring. Thornsycroft showed himself a most gallant and capable loader. Q.'he names of the Australians and New Zealanders, including tho Privates, are recommondod in Boberts's latest despatch for meritorious services, and occupy in space, three quarters of a newspaper column.