THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 307, 7 January 1902, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Jan. 5. Major-General Elliott captured twelve Boers in an action with DeWet’s rearguard north of Reitz. At Vryhsid 500 Boers charged Colonel Garrett’s advance guard while reconnoitring. but were reptrfsed. During December 30 British officers and 100 men were killed, 49 officers and 382 men wounded ; there were 393 deaths from accidents and disease, and 1456 were invalided home. In reply to an enquiry from Schaa' burger regarding the terms upon wh. the Boers could agree to coase figlitin, the Boor leaders in Europe instructed him to accept only complete independence. Private John Lconslde (sic), of tho Seventh New Zealand Mounteds, was dangerously wounded in the chest and spine, at Quaggasport. Sydney, Jan. 6. In connection with tho opening of tenders in London for a year's supplies for tho army in South Africa, Mr Barton has communicated with Mr Chamberlain, with a view to Australian interests receive ing consideration. He pointed out to the Imperial Government that it would bo much better to be servod by- Australian contractors direct than getting what purported to be Australian produce secondhand.

Wellington, last night. News has been received that Private John Considine, of Auckland, of the Seventh Contingent, was dangerously wounded about the chest and spine near Ingogo on December 31st. ATTACK ON SCOTS GREYS. SIX KILLED AND THIRTEEN WOUNDED. By Telegraph—Press Assooiation—Copyright London, Jan. 6. ' A party of Scots Greys had a sharp encounter at Bronkhorsts Spruit. The Boers allowed the advance fjuard to pass, and then they attacked tho loft flank. Six Greys woro killed, and thirteen wounded. \ After a two-hours’ fight, the Boers retired. BRUCE HAMILTON’S WORK.' By Telegraph. Press Assooiation. Copyright London, Jan. 6. General Bruce Hamilton’s column crossed the flooded Vaal River in pontoons and pursued the enemy in a thick mist and steady rain. They captured many without firing a shot, but wore compelled to give up tho pursuit and returned tc distant depots in order to re-provision and get fresh horses. Otherwise they would have secured more successess. THE REVOLTING CHARGES. HOW FOREIGNERS VIEW LOi ROBERTS’ DENIAL. ' By Telegraph—Press Assooiation—Copyrigl London, Jan. 6. The Italian and Austrian rnilita attaches in South Africa declare that tb outrages attributed to the British Armare incredible. The Americans fully credit Lor Roberts’ denial. The French are reticent as to t 1 matter. A portion of the Gorman press repre duces the denial. Some papers common on the denial flippantly, alluding to it Lord Roberts’ whitewashingof the Ann

THE WEEFONTEIN DISASTER DeWET NEARLY GETS STAFFOR SHIRES IN AMBUSH. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyri London, Jan. 6 Major-Goneral Bundle, with the Gret dior Guards and Staffordshires, was thr miles north of Twoefontein at the time of Do Wet’s attack. Ho sent tho Staffordshires to Colonel Firman’s assistance They were noarly ambushed, but regained the camp with small loss. BOERS AND TERMS OF PEACE. WILLING FOR DISCUSSION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Jan. 6. The Daily Mail representative interviewed the Boor peace delegates a‘ Holland. He found them willing tc discuss terms of peace if the demand for unconditional surrender was withdrawn. The fighting leaders, especially tho Free Staters, consider that in’ the event of e conference the question of absolute independence ought to be approached with an open mind. They decline to negotiate with Sir A. Milner. THE TIMES ADVOCATES WEARING DOWN PROCESS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Nov. 6. The Times says that the continuous wearing-down process ought to be maintained in South Africa by keeping advance depots well supplied. Moro men and horses are required, also light railways along tho lines of blockhouses.

DODGING THE BRITISH. LUCKY PRISONERS. By Telegraph. Press Association. Copyrigb London, Jan. 6. The Boers in Eastern Transvaal try lo keep 25 miles ahead of the columns. The Government insist on the concentration camps being supplied with the best brands of imported foods, with fresh vegetables daily, and other luxuries which civilian loyalists are unable to obtain. COLONEL PORTER’S REPORT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, last night. The Premier has received the following cablegram from Colonel Porter, dated 3rd inst.: —The regiment was divided during December, part being with Colonel Garnett at Newcastle, and part with me in Durban district. The duties were mostly stationary, garrisoning posts, protection of blockhouse-erection, an occasional night march, and counter attacks by the enemy. The regimental captures were : Prisoners 7, rifles 11, ammunition 900 rounds, waggons 4, carts 7, saddles 26, horses 670, cattle 430, sheep 1800, forage 160 tons. Casualties, wounded 13. The health generally is good. The enteric season is now on. There are about thirty cases scattered in hospitals. The sick and wounded are doing well. The regiment is to be reunited at Botha’s Pass about the 10th. There is great interest in the coming of the Eighth Contingent to join the Seventh, and hope that they mil each share in the ending of the struggle.