The Transvaal.

Manawatu Herald, 7 November 1899, Page 2

The Transvaal.

Information has reached Durban that the Boer artillery engaged in the bombardment of Ladysmith yesterday directed their fire on to the Convent, although they were aware that the building was being used as a hospital. A number of guns were conveyed to Ladysmith the other day in powerful railway trucks constructed by ship's artificers at this port. Amongst the ordances despatched in this way were six long-range twelve-pounders. General Sir George White, V.C., in command of the British forces at Ladysmith is holding the position satisfactorily against the investing Bjer forces under CommandaatGeneral Jou'iert. Ha is confident of being abie to keep the enemy at bay until reinforcements arrive. The sixteen-mile section of railway between Ladysmith and Colenso is regularly patrolled by an armoured

train in order to prevent the enemy from cutting oft communication with the south.

The War Office Aiinditnfies that fiftytwo of the And Royal Dubl'n Fusiliers W.'re missing after the Glencoe engagement, besides eighi/-six Hussars, nnder T.-ieutenant-Gc.lonel Bs "S Molleo Jt is presumed that the men are prisoners.

In view ofthe serious position of affairs in Natal, the first portion of the British army corps now Under transport will, in 9D probability land at Durban instead of at Capetown as was originally intended. News has been received that an army bf three thousand Boers has appeared at Bethulic, iii the extreme south of the Orange Free State, north of Colesberg.

A Strong naval contingent is stationed in the disaffected district in Cape Cobny, to the south of the Orange river.

The telegraph cable on the east coast of Africa, connecting with Aden is still interrupted between Delagoa Bay and Mozambique, so that news still has to be despatched from Durban by the way of the west coast lines via Capetown.