THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 343, 18 February 1902, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

Sy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, Feb. 19. General Kekewich’s mounted infantry surprised a laager at Kott'yfuntein and captured ten Burrs, including Lieutenant Barnard, commanding Commandant Kemp’s bodyguard. The prisoners stated that Delarey has issued orders to avoid the large bodies of British, aud also that the ammunition in the Boer camps was scarce.

A BRITISH REVERSE. HOW THE BOERS SURROUNDED THEM. SPLENDID BRAVERY OF OFFICERS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Feb. 17. The Standard gives the following details of the Zueherbosebrand reverse. The scene of the fight was between Elandsfontein and Vereeniging. Tho British force consisted of 320 men of tho twentyeighth battalion of mounted infantry, mostly fresh from Home. Many had never fired a shot in action. They proceeded to Klip River to attack a supposed small force, whereas it proved to be five hundred under Commandant Grobelaar. Finding no signs of tho enemy Major Dowell abandoned the plain, leading his mon in extended order up the hills, leaving the horses behind under a guard. A sudden fusilade revealed the presence of the Boers. The British sought cover and replied with a hot fire. Strong flanking parties tried to surrouud the British, most of whose horses stampeded. A retreat was ordered, but before it was executed the British were surrounded. A proportion of tho men fought hard, while some scattered, trying to regain their horses. Others ran afioot to Illip River, pursued by-Boers. Major Dowell, Captain Sholdon, Lieutenants Dunbridgo, Charlenor, Le Marchant, and Hovell made a most gallant stand. They refused to surrender, and fought until all dropped. Dowell was killed, and the rest wounded.

Altogether ten British were killed and fifty-four wounded. The Boor losses were considerable. The British, on the 14th, expelled the Boers from Zuikerbosch, hotly pursuing them South. A PRISONER SHOT. By telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Feb. 17. A sentry shot dead a Boor prisoner who was endeavoring to escape from St. Helena. WAR ESTIMATES. By Telegraph—Presß Association—Copyright London, Fob. 17. The war estimates provide that the army in South Africa will bo maintained at its full strength until November. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, last night. It is probable that Charles Clarke, reported as killed in South Africa, is a sou of Mrs Walker, of Auckland, by the first husband. Clarke was. 27 years of age, and was born in Christchurch, his father being a Christchurch contractor.