THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 108, 16 May 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

DESOLATION OF AVAR.

ONLY GOLD WILL TEMPT AUSTRALIANS.

TREASON-REFUGEES,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 14. A Blue Book has boon issued showing that tho British burned six hundred and thirty-four farms, mills and cottages in tho Transvaal and Oraugo River Colonies for military reasons.

Mr Philp, Premier of Queensland, interviewed in reference to the Chartered Company’s recent offer to Australians, said ho did not consider that a gift of land would tempt Australians to remain in South Africa, but gold discoveries might do so.

Tho Treason Court at Barkley East lias sentenced eight disloyalists to terms of imprisonment ranging from six months to two years. Tho Court has finishod its sittings. Four thousand refugocs are comfortably housed at Bloemfontein.

WHY THE FIRE-STICK WAS USED

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 15. Tho bluo book dealing with tho burning of tho Boor farms for military purposes gives tho following details :—ln 147 instances tho punishment was for harboring Boers ; several wore for wliito flag treachery; 78 wore bocausc tho owners were on commando; otlior reasons wero for cutting telegraph wires, sniping at convoys, firing oil patrols after the Boor womc" -.folk had shown civility to patrols, eoncea.diont of lost firearms, oath breakers, rejoining commandos, and carrying information to tho enemy.

MORE DEATHS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 15. Tho following deaths from enteric fever arc reported : Sergeant-Major Henry Williams, N.S.W. Mounted, at Standcrton; Private Robert M. Robertson, New Zealand, at Pretoria.

MORE NEAV ZEALANDERS RETURNING HOME.

By Telegraph—Press Association. AVellington, last night. Lord Kitchener has cabled to tho Premier that arrangements ’-have boon made for the Fourth and Fifth Contingents to return by tho Gulf of Taranto.