THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 219, 21 September 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

By Telegraph --Press Association—Copyright London, Sept. 19.

Heavy rains have suspended operations in Southern Cape Colony, flooding the river beds, which often constitute the onlypasses into the mountains. Despite these hardships, the columns keep in touch with the Boers. The Natal Mounted Bitles and Field Artillery have been called out.

The Boers’recent attack on Belfast was intended to capture supplies. A similar raid is expected in Natal. Forty Hussars and Imperial Bushmen pursuing twenty Boers, were suddenly surrounded by 300 Boevs outside Klerksdotp. A sharp light at close quarters ensued. Two British wove wounded and six Boers were killed and a dozen wounded.

There are 2000 Boor prisoners at Durban about to be shipped. Some of them will be sent to India. Seheeper’s commando have entered Barrydale. Colonel Crabbc is closely pursuing them.

A serious British reverse has been sustained at Utrecht, Elands River l’oort.

BRITISH REVERSE. FALL INTO A TRAP SET BY BOTHA,

BRITISH OVERPOWER ED

SIXTEEN BRITISH KILLED AND •24 WOUNDED.

THE CAPTURED MAJOR ESCAPES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

(Received Sept. 20, 9.43 pan.) London, Sept. 20.

Lord Kitchener reports that on Tuesday evening three companies of mounted infantry, with three guns, under Major Gough, wore reconnoitring south of Utrecht, in conjunction with the Johannesburg Mounted Rifles, under Colonel Stewart.

The British sighted 300 Boors retiring from Seheeper’s Nek towards Blood River poort.

Major Gough started for a ridge overlooking tho poort, asking Colonel Stewart, who was marching an hour behind him, to co-operate with him. The Boer movement was evidently a trap set for the British. When Major Gough was within reach of his objective, the Boers suddenly, in considerable strength, under cover of the poort, attacked the front and right flank. Aftor severe fighting tho British were overpowered, losing their guns, though the sights and breech-blocks were first destroyed. Two officers and fourteen men were killed. Four officers and twenty men were wounded.

Major Gough and another officer escaped during tho night to Dojagers Drift,

It is reported that the Boers number 9000, and arc under Louis Botha. Colonel Stowart was unable to cooperate with Major Gough, and fell back on Dojagers. iiis patrols were not in touch with the enemy. Reinforcements have boon sent by General Lyttelton.