THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 301, 30 December 1901, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright London, Dec. 27. A Ilocr at St. Helena smuggled himself into a box aboard the steamer Goth, which was transferred to naval custody at Ascension. Forty-three thousand six hundred and fifteen,Swiss women have signed a Christmas letter to the women of Great Britain and Ireland, protesting against the extermination of women and children at the concentration camps. The Morning Post suggests that a suitable reply bo sent, showing the real facts. British officials photographed an emaciated child, showing a Boer mother's neglect. Boers on the Continent circulated many copies of the photograph as evidence of British barbarity to Boor children.

Twenty-eight were captured at Jaggevsfontein, including Field-Cornet Dutehit, concerned in the murder of natives. Buda Pesth, Dec. 27.

The'Poster Lloyd newspaper states that Kruger's friends are trying to arrange for Kruger and Lord Rosebery to meet at Utrecht.

A LAAGER SURPRISED. FIFTEEN BOERS ’’APTUKED. By Telegraph-—Press Association—Copyrigh London Dec. 27. General Bruce Hamilton surprised Pretorius’ laager, killing one and capturing fifteen. THE ATTACK ON PAMANT'S COLUMN. FURTHER PARTICULARS. By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright

London, Deo. 28. 1 lotnils of the Begindorlyn light show that the mounteds chased six Boers over successive ridges. Owing to a halt the third company occupied tho foremost position. They mistook for British a body of khaki-clad enemy approaching in led sections. Tho Boers dismounted at a distance of thirty yards, and commenced volleying, overpowering the company. The second company, which was to tho leftward, made a stand. The first company, in the rear, was thus enabled to retiro. The fourth company sustained eight casualties dashing through tho Boers. TWEEFONTEIN DISASTER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Dec. 29. Details arc to hand of tho Tweofontein affair. Major Williams, of the South Staffords, commanding in Colonel Firman’s absoncc, encamped on the northern slope of a solitary kopje, placing outposts on tho edge of the almost precipitous southern side. Tho outposts were pushed well out north, where tho slope was gentle. Tito position, naturally strong, was entrenched. The night was a moonlight ono, but cloudy.

The Boors climbed the precipitous side, collecting near tho top at two o’clock in tho morning. They suddenly attacked the picquets on the summit, and before the men encamped could get clear of tho tents the Boers rushed through, shooting all as they emerged. Tho officers were killed trying to stem the tide. There was no panic. All did their best. Lieut. Hawick was killed while firing a pom-pom, and Lieut. Watney when leading a charge.

A HEAVY CASUALTY LIST. FIVE OFFICERS AND 52 MEN KILLED. NINE OFFICERS WOUNDED AND FIVE MISSING. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrigh Received Dec. 30, 1.7 a.m. London, Dec. 29, When the picquet at Tweefontein was overwhelmed the 1200 under DeWet had all the advantage. Including killed and wounded, with those now at Elands River Bridgo, about half a column are accounted for. The rest were taken prisoners. A fifteen-pounder fired two rounds, then jammed, and the gunners wero shot round tho gun. Lieut. Scarlett, who was overlooked and left behind, saw two waggon-loads of dead and wounded Boers removed. They had been mostly hit in the first attack on picquets.

Major Hoag, who was wounded, was left behind. He confirms what Lieutenant Scarlett has said, stating that ho saw Boer dead all around at daybreak.

The Boers behaved well, leaving men to assist the wounded.

The Imperial Light ITorso wore fourteen miles away at Elands river. They arrivod before seven in tiie morning. They pursued the enemy, securing a few before the Boers reached broken country at South Langberg. Major Williams, five officers, and fiftytwo men were killed.

Nine officers were wounded, and five are missing.

Wellington, last night. The Premier has made an offer to the War Office to fill up vacancies in the Sixth and Seventh Contingents. About 100 men are required, and those will be chosen from men excluded from the Eighth, and will go with that contingent. A long despatch has been cabled by the Home Government, accepting in detail the terms of enlistment of the Eighth Contingent, as already published. The Imperial authorities agree to pay all disbursements made by the New Zealand Government in regard to raising and transport of the contingent, providing horse and other equipment. The despatch emphasises the condition that all members of the contingent must be single men. Rifles will be provided on arrival of the sorps in South Africa.