REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1377, 1 March 1881, Page 2

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

THE CAPE WAR. DEFEAT OF THE BRITISH IN THE TRANSVAAL. DEATH OF SIR GEORGE COLLET GOVERNOR OF NATAL, AND WHOLESALE SLAUGHTER OF THE BRITISH. BRITISH AND FOREIGN. London, February 25. At the wool sale to-day, 8700 bales were offered, but the tone showed no improvement. Fleece and .scoured wool are fully ljd lower than last sales. In the House of Commons to-day, the Rifrht Hon. M. E. Grant Under-Secretary for the Colonies, in reply to a question, said that the negotiations which have been procesdiow between the Cape forces and the Baeu* tos have failed. At the same time Mr Grant Duff, stated that the Government regretted the severity of the terms of peace which had been proposed by the Cape Government. February 26. At to-day's wool sales 7100 bales were catalogued, making a total of 8700 offered since the opening. There was fair demand. In the House of Commons to-day the Irish Coercion Bill came under final consideration and was read third time and passed. Capetown, January 25. Telegrams are to hand to-day from Sir George Colley, announcing that he had commenced a parley with the leaders of the Boers force, with a view to an understanding being arrived at and cessation of war being brought about. ° Information has been received from the Orange Free State that the Volksraade has passed an address expressing sympathy with the Transvaal Boers, and hoping that England will comply with any reasonable demands which they may make.

February 26. News has come to band from. Natal that a report had reached there that the Boers had made an attack at Wakkeratroom, and succeeded in capturing it, bat they were eventvally driven out by the British troops, who are again in occupation. The news requires confirmation. Later. Intelligence has been received here from Natal that a severe disaster baa occurred in the Transvaal to a portion of the force under Sir George Colley. News to hand states that he advanced from Ingogo with six companies of infantry, and occupied Opitikivok. The Boers, in great force, made a strong attack on the positiou, and desperate fighting ensued, lasting all the morning. The British troops suffered immense loss, and finally were driven from the place. Sir G. Colley and a number of officers were killed, and of the whole of the six companies only 100 officers and men escaped. Berlin, February 25. The marriage of Prince William, of Prussia,eldest son cf the Crown Prince of Germany, with Princess Augusta Victoria, of Augusteuburg, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein, was celebrated here to-day. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh, uncles of the bridegroom, were present at the ceremony, which was one of great brilliancy. Constantinople, February 26. Active negotiations are still proceeding here between the Ambassadors of the Powers and the Porte, with the view of bringing about an understanding between Turkey and Greece oa the frontier question. ♦ LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS. Melbourne, February 28. The order of merit, for boots and shoes, has been awarded to Lightband, Allfn and Co., Chrischurch, by the Exhibition Judges. Per Merchant Ship and Underwriters' Association : London, February 26th :—Arrived—Zpalandia, ship, from Port Chalmers, December Bth; Wild Deer, from Bluff, November 30th. Sydney, February 28. The trial of the case of Robertson v. Bulletin (newspaper) was concluded today, and resulted in a verdict for plaintiff of £IOOO damages, and costs.