THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 85, 19 April 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

STEYN AND DE WET LIKELY TO GO TO EUROPE. LORD ROBERTS’ DESPATCHES. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright / London, April 17. Schalkburgher, Botha, Stoyn, and Do Wet met at Ermlo. The Times’ Middlcburg correspondent hints that Stoyn and Do Wet arc likely to attempt to go to Europe. The Boer General Colliers, who was reported to have been killed at Lichtonburg, has surrendered at Warmbaths. Ho states tho Boers are plundering and not warring. Mrs Maxwell, tho American wife of Major-Gouoral Maxwoll, Military Governor of Protoria, has appealed to Americans for funds with which to clotho tho Boer refugeo women and children. Tho grounds aro that tho British funds nro exhausted. Owing to an accident to tho hauling gear at the Gildenhuir Deep Goldinining Company on tho Rand an ascending cage broke, and twenty-six natives wero killed. Lord Roberts in his despatches states that Sir George Whito was mainly responsible for preventing Natal being completely over-run by Boors. Ilis gallant defence of Ladysmith and tho prowess of his troops would live in tho annals of tho army.

Lord Methuen by keeping his command always ready and together, with tho rapidity of his movements, his untiring energy, and conspicuous courage, largely contributed to the comparative quiet in which the Boors on the western Transvaal border were kept. Licutonaut-Coloncl J. J. Byron, of the Royal Australian Artillery and the Queensland regiment, Lieutenant Scddon, of Now Zealand, together with other aides-de-camp to the Comuiandcr-in-Chicf, performed their duties loyally and well.

Tho despatch bears tribute to tho worth of Prince Christian Victor, who died of typhoid fever at Pretoria, and LieutenantColonel Do Gallais, who was killed in action.

Lord Roberts has eulogised Gonorals Hunter, Tucker, Rundle, Kelly - Kenny, and Powell, particularising each. Genoral French, Lord Roberts says, has exceptional nerve, soldicr-liko qualities, sound judgment, unorring instinct, and pcrfocl loyalty. His services havo been of incalculable value to the Empire. Genoral Charles Knox is a gallant soldier, a sound strategist and a good tactician.

General Hutton, who commanded the Australian and Canadian Mounted Infantry Brigade, had unbounded energy, and did great service. Genoral Clements did good service. Colonel Ward, now permanent Undersecretary at the War Office, as director of supplies, was a unique departmental officer with genius of character.

General Hector Macdonald showed energy. General Broadwooil was a gallant leader. Colonels Henry, Pilcher, and Plumcr, and General Brabant arc eulogised for their sorviccs. General do Lisle is described as one of the best deserving of tho junior officers brought into prominence by tho war. Tho resolution, quickness, and daring of Colonel Thorneycroft showed himself to bo a most gallant and capable leader.

Tho names of Australians and Now Zcalandors, including privates recommended by Lord Roberts in his latest despatches for meritorious services, occupy in space three-quarters of a newspaper column.

SPECIAL MENTION BY LORD ROBERTS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 18,10.21 p.m.) London, April 18. Tho following New Zealanders aro mentioned in Lord Roberts’ despatch : Colonel Newell, Majors Davies, Craddock, Jowscy, and Robin, Captains Poison and Major, Lieutenants Bauchop, Bradburn, Hughes, Rolloston, and Toia (?), Sergt.-Majors Burns, Fletcher, and Harpers, Sorgcants Cassidy, Ilazlott, Lucky, Pioneer, and Harris, Corporals Sharper and Hogg, Troopers Gallaway and'llolroyd, Private Wade; 49 Canadians, 14 Tasmanians, 14 Victorians, 10 Wcstralians, 24 Queenslanders, and 17 South Australians are also mentioned.

MILNER’S LEAVE OF ABSENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 18. Sir A. Milner, on tho 3rd, asked for a short leave while operations were in progress, or he would otherwise approach tho work -of reconstruction with lessened efficiency. Mr Chamberlain, while regretting the necessity of Sir A. Milner’s departure, and recognising the severe strain, grunted three months’ leave of absence. A MESSAGE FROM LORD KITCHENER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, last night. The Premier has received the following cablegram from Lord Kitchener, dated 10th April: “ Your contingents splendid. Will do my best to carry out your wishes. Fourth and Fifth Contingents will; bo ready to leave on arrival of the Seventh. Sixtlijust helped to take Pictersburg.” It is assumed that the reference to carrying out the wishes of the Government reiiftes to a request that tho New Zealanders should, as far as possible, be kept together.