THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 256, 6 November 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, Nov. 3. Botha's attack at Brakenslaagte opened in a blinding rain-storm, from good cover and trenches overlooking Major Samson's imprisoned camp. The chief British casualties occurred while gathering the convoy under the brow of a hill. The British rallied splendidly. The Boers, failing to carry the position by assault, entrenched round it. with a view to sapping and preventing retreat. General Benson has been co-operating with others between Bethel and Bronkburst Spruit, and a second cordon marched from Tivicrfonteiu to Brakenslaagte. Chris. Botha. Genera! Botha’s cousin, a prominent rebel, formerly of the Natal Civil Service, has been captured at Vclksrust. Patriots overwhelmingly spoiled the Democratic League's anti-war meeting at Peckhamryc, and handled many present roughly. Queen Alexandra is sending silvermounted briar pipes to the South African troops as Christmas presents.

THE RECENT FIGHT

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, No\. 5,

General Hamilton's column at Stair derton reached Sampson with little op position on Friday. The wounded have arrived at Spring. Sampson’s light was in the teeth ot n

blinding storm. The Boers removed their own two guns, which were detached. Taylor’s column at Wolvekop, Aliwal district, captured 21, including the whole family of Duplus, local rebels, also 17 rifles, and 500 rounds of ammunition. Lord Methuen visited Rustenburg district as far as Elands river. A large area ‘of crops was destroyed. Eleven Boers, 700 cattle, and many waggons were captured. Vanheorden's commando, near Constable, overpowered and stripped fourteen Worcester District Mouutcds. Vanheerden has denounced tire Afrikander Congress for cncouragfng an invasion of Capo Colony and then not giving help. He added that the invaders know the claim for independence to be hopeless, but that they are determined to make faithless eneouragers fee) the pinch of war.

Three hundred of the Royal Artillery stationed at Halifax take six Maxims to South Africa. A detachment of (he Bermuda Regiment will he relieving them to-morrow.

Mr Morley, speaking at Fo.lar, asked it the Boers were really given to understand the difference between independence and self-government. The Standard correspondent states that Major Benson, at the head of the column, was crossing a ridge. A few Boers were seen. A heavy thunderstorm broke. Botha’s thousand men, under cover of the rain, rushed at the ridge, emptying their magazines at close range. Benson galloped back, restored order, and saved the position. In so doing lie was wounded. The officers and men were falling fast, hut the ridge was occupied, Sampson holding the Boers at bay.

GREATER TAXATION I’ORI SHADOWED.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Nov. 5. Sir Michael Hieks-Bcach, speaking at Bristol, said that the war was dragging. Ho regretted that he might he compelled to ask even greater taxation, lie declared that Government had borrowed enormously for the war without greatly disturbing the market. It had caused less injury to the nation than on any previous occasion.