THE BOER WAR,

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 335, 7 February 1902, Page 2

THE BOER WAR,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Feb. 5. It is officially announced that Lieut.Colonel Byng, after a night march, defeated esseis’ large force near Lichtenburgvlei, recapturing Major Firman’s 15pounder and pom-poms. Five Boers were killed, six wounded, and 27 captured. France and Russia confidentially approved of Dr Kuyper’s note, but all the Powers have resolved to observe strict neutrality. King Edward has accepted an offer of six battalions of militia to serve abroad. The British Government have granted £12,000 on account of Italian undesirables deported from South Africa. The amouut covers 120 claims. The Independence Beige is publishing Canon Doyle’s pamphlet on the cause and conduct of the war, refuting calumnies, but it is impossible to find publishers in Germany and Holland. The late pastor of tho Irene camp protests against the wild, indecent charges, destroying the character of modest Afrikander girls in order to serve lying tongues and unscrupulous pens. An intercepted letter shows that Botha directed south a number of Boer women into the British lines. BOER DELEGATES FURIOUS.

LONDON, Feb. 6. The Boer delegates angrily contest Lord Laiisdowne’s assertion that they have no voice in the Boer Council, alleging that Great Britain is aware that the leaders in the field consulted them by cable in June last. They declare that Great Britain is still trying to exterminate the Boers, wrecking every effort at peace The terms of the reply rendered it impossible for the delegates to apply tor safe conduct or anything else. Colonel Byng specially mentions the gallantry of the New Zealanders in the South African Light Horse. The killed include Cornet Wessels, and the prisoners Captain Muiler, of Slants Artillery. Many cattle were captured. The casualties were slight. The National Scouts captured thirteen at, Middlebttrg, and Colonel Plumer seven at Amerspoort. General Hamilton, after a long pursuit, drove the Boers to the blockhouses line, capturing thirty-two.

Wellington, last night. The following New Zealand troopers returned by the Talune this morning Corporals Pointon (Napier), A. White (Auckland), Farrier-Sergeant Ryan (Auckland), Troopers Ewart (Owata), Tait (Auckland), J. G. AVhite (Auckland). Delaney (Wellington), Buckingham (Wellington), Geddes (Waimate), Barnes (Hawarden), Fordham (Wellington), Harley (Opotiki), McKenzie (Dunedin), Mitchell (Pleasant Point), Moore (Auckland), Roderick (Wanganui), J. Richards (Auckland), Styles (Wellington), Young (Masterton), all of the Sixth and Seventh Contingents ; also Trooper Ferris (Christchurch), of the South African Light Horse.