THE BOER WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 April 1901, Page 4

THE BOER WAR.

"[by electric telegraph—copyright.]

[pee press association.]

London, April 16. Scheeper's commando was nearly caught in the Aberdeen district, hut escaped under cover of a sudden mist, losing their rifles and saddles. The Netherlands Government is willing to grant land to the Boer prisoners if Britain will hear the cost of their transport to the Dutch possessions in the East Indies. Commandant Beyers was absent collecting horses, intending to proceed to the Cape, but returned to Pietersburg to resist Colonel Plumer's entry only to find his commando had in tbe interval fled. London, April 17. The Australians and New Zealand. r< scouting with Col Plumer's force, occupied a difficult position at Clunespcort Pass, and 16 (a remnant of the enemy) surrendered to them. Lord Robert's despatch on April 2,id, which contained the November narrative to the end of November, paiutod out that stupendous difficulties were confronted and overcome. Had the troops' lines of communication and strategic points bean restricted to regimental transport on the War Office scale for the field, the army'* advance would have been delayed, and Kimberley would meanwhile have falien. A departmental system, he says, would be introduced that possesses elasticity and adaptability to the changing conditions of field service on a large scale, which the regimental systom lacks. He mentions many officers for meritorious service, and eulogies. Sir A. Milner for his unfailing support, wise counsel, unfaltering courage, and his helpful and tactful solving of difficulties ; also Lord Kitchener for his unfailing and loyal support. He held a difficult position with conspicious ability. Nicholson, director of transport, bad Bhown marked ability and ripe exporience.

General Ifin Hamilton possessed ex ceptional qualifications. General Buller executed difficult operations terminating in the report of Lady smith.