THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 363, 13 March 1902, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

THE RECENT DISASTER. •JUBILATION IX GERMANY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, March 11. Sections of the Fourth and Thirtyeighth Batteries fought with great gallantry during the attack on Lord Methuen’s column. Three hundred infantry of the Northumberland Fusiliers and Loyal North Eancashires displayed conspicuous courage, protecting the waggons and refusing to surrender until resistance was useless. Commandants Colliers, Kemp’s and \ c-ttnaa s troops were present. Lord Methuen sustained a fractured thigh. He is well cared for- in his own waggons. Lord Kitchener hopes that the reinforcements arriving will rectify tlie situation, wituout disturbing operations elsevvhero. The concensus of general feeling is disappointment and regret at one of the most untoward incidents of tho war. The temporary set-back is unfortunate in the face oi tho resolve for greater and more determined clients.

The Tiuies says the commander' dealing with Delarey ought to be a strategist oi ability, exercising initiative, based on good rapid information. Byng's, Rimington’s, and other forces nro engaged in a sweep to the westward. Tho Boer loaders in Holland suggest the exchange of Lord Methuen for Kruitzinger. Paris papers, while jubilant at the disaster, recognise Lord Methuen's chivalry towards the iato Commandant Villebois. The Berlin populace repeatedly hurrahed the news of the disaster. A tremendous sensation was produced in New York. The incident has greatly injured British prestige. INTENSE INDIGNATION. DEFECTIVE SCOUTING. By telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, March 12. Indignation is expressed in the 1 ouse of Commons at tho indecent exhibition by Nationalist members. Sir H. A. Campbell-Bannerman is blamed for not attempting to restrain it.

The German newspapers ascribe tho disaster to defective scouting, which was evidenced in the wildness of the panic.

LORD ROSEBERY’S OPINION

THE RECENT DISASTER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, March 12. Lord Rosebery, at Glasgow, bespoke Great Britain’s unflinching firmness and equanimity in seeing this thing through. In the history of tho Empire a reverse was a momentary incident, not retarding a single day the flow of fortune. The Morning Post expresses a hope that anti-British persons will not be allowed to pass through the British lines. Lord Kitchener’s weekly report shows six killed, two wounded, eighty-eight prisoners, and thirty-six surrendered. War Office Correction : Lord Methuen was proceeding from Yryburg, not Wynberg. Mr Brodrick stated that the disaster did not require special reinforcements beyond the large ones already arranged. The casualty list states that Lord Methuen is dangerously wounded, but is progressing well. Tilnoy, who was wounded, has now rejoined. BOER DELEGATES. ASK FOR A FAIR AND SQUARE FIGHT. SAY THEY CAN CONTINUE FOR YEARS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright New York, March 12. Wessells and Wol aiorans, the Boer delegates, on being .interviewed, said that they never asked or expected the intervention of any country. They only begged to secure civilised warfare. They wanted a fair and square fight. They were able to continue the conflict for years.

NEW ZEALAND OFFICER WITH MAJOR PARIS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Wellington, Jast night. Captain Tuckcy, of Wellington, who left New Zealand with the Fifth Contingent, but was, subsequent to the battle of Ottoshoop, given an Imperil staff appointment under Major Paris, appears to have been with his chief at the disaster which befell Lord Methuen. To-day, his relatives received a cable from Vryberg stating that he was safe and not wounded.