CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 7 December 1899, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

■«► The Transvaal. THE MODDER BATTLE. | A the commencement of the battle | the "Boers were very strongly entrenched on both banks of the river; and also on the island in the stream. The enemy was especially strong on the northern bank, and were concealed in great numbers among a growth of mimosa treesi The fighting was terrific, especially during the afternoon, but the British eventually drove the burghers who were posted on the southern banks across the stream » and afterwards cleared the northern side, compelling them to retreat. A large British force has now been transported over the river, Mr J. Barnard, a prominent member of the First Raad, was amongst those of the enemy killed in action. The Boer riflemen were hardly visible throughout the battle, being hidden in rifle-pits- around which bullet-proof breastworks had been raised. They had evidenty anticipated making a resolute stand at the scene of the battle, as seven weeks had been spent in the preparation of fortifications. When the English infantry brigades reached within 800 yards of the enemy they were Checked by a 1 withering fire for three hours, and could only advance by a series of short rushes, losing heavily whenever they rose from the ground. Their behaviour during the engagement was a wonderful exhibition of unflinching courage. Late in the afternoon the 62nd Battery of Artillery arrived after a march of 33 miles. On getting into action they quickly silenced several of the opposing guns, the shells terrifying the Boer gunners many of whom retreated across the Orange Free State border towards Langeberg and Jacobsdol. A HEROIC OFFICER. General Sir Henry Norman, AgentGeneral for Queensland, has cabled to the Defence Department, that Captain V. Scllheim (of the Queensland Defence Force) has been honourably mentioned for heroism at Modder river, where, in company with Captain Codrington, he showed great bravery. DISLOYALTY •OF THE DUTCH SETTLERS. A Reuter's Agency despatch from Capetown -stated that the recent warning given by General Buller to the settlers in Cape Colony that the property of those who showed disloyalty would be conficated, has had the effect of restraining the older Dutch farmers trom overt acts of assistance to the Boers. The young inhabitants of the border districts, however, are reported to be joining the invaders in increased numbers. Reports from other parts of the colony states that the aspect of affairs elsewhere than on the northern border is healthy and hopeful. The disloyalty among the Dutch settlers extends over an extensive area in the vicinity of Colesberg, Burghersdrop and Middleburg. At Venterburg, a township to the east of Colesburg, fully 2000 Afrikanders have responded to the commandeering emissaries of the invaders. j The Boer commandoes at Steynsburg and Sterkstrom, to the westward of Middleburg, on the branch line? running towards Aliwal North, are at•empting, in conjunction with the loc i> rebels, to outflank the forces a' Naauwpoort under Major-General Sir W. F. Gatacre. NEAR LADYdMITH. The advance of General Buller's main column towards Colenso and Ladysmith is delayed by the gaps in the railway at Frere, twenty-three miles south of Colenso, where the Boers lately "destroyed the bridge which spanned the Blaaukrants river, a southern branch of the Tugela. The British engineers are, however, now engaged in replacing the structure. Major-General Hilyard made a reconnaissance towards Colenso, and located a force of 5000 Boers strongly posted on the northern side of the Tugela river, and having many gun s in their possession. A tremendous explosion was heard by the British, and a huge column of smoke simultaneously seen. It is believed that the explosion arose from the enemy blowing up the railway brigde, which spans the river at Colenso. The road bridge is, however, intact. A report has been received from Ladysmith intimating that the garrison was still safe on November 24th. STRENGTH OF THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS. General Sir Redvers Buller, who is conducting the operations in Natal for the relief of Sir George White's army at Ladysmith, now commands a force of twenty thousand man, including volunteers. Lieut. -General Lord Methuen's column on the western frontier is ten thousand strong. In Cape Colony Major-General Sir W. F. Gatacre has six thousand troops, and Major-General French has three thousand. The work of maintaining communication along the extensive railway line running from De Aar to Grasspan absorbs a force of fully eight thousand. LOSS OF A TRANSPORT. The British transport Ismore has gone ashore at St. Helena Bay, about ninety miles north of Capetown. There were on board 500 artillerymen and hussars, all of whom were landed, but it is feared that it will be difficult to save the horses. Most of the guns, arms and ammunition have been saved from the Ismore but only twenty horses were landed. The ship has gone to pieces. IN NATAL. Lieutenant-General Sir C. F..Clery, who next to General Buller commands the column now operating for the relief of Ladysmith, is endeavouring to outflank the So era by making a

movement in the direction of Weenen, twelve miles eastward from Frere, the present headquarters of the British force. GENERAL GATACRE'S MOVEMENTS. A reconnaissance was made along the Naauwpoort-Colesberg railway line by a body of infantry* who were supported by the 12 Lancers and a section of the New South Wales Lancers. It was fouud that the Boers, were •swarming in the vicinity of Reiisbuifg Kopje, near Arundel nineteen miles south of Colesberg, and had with them a number of heavy guns* The British troops tailed to draw the enemy into an engagement, and returned to Naauwpoort. Lieutenant-General Gatacre has had iood bags of wheat reirtoved from Molland, one of the small towns id the district, for fear they might be seized in a Boer raid. MAFEKING.^ Information has been received from Colonel Baden-Powell, who is in command of the gairisdn at Mafeking, which indicated that the siege has been practically raised. Many of the Boers who surrounded the place have left, and only a desultory bombardment i 9 maintained. THE NEW ZEALANDERS. The New Zealand contingent, which it was supposed had been despatched to De Aar, is now at Naauwpoort, near Colesberg, in Northern Cape Colony where General French is posted with a force of three thousand cavalry. MISCELLANEOUS. The Government is receiving many offers from nurses to tend the wounded who are being brought Home from South Africa. The Boers at Maritzam have sold at auction their horses, ploughs and cattle, giving the Transvaalers who bought them three months' credit. All the white men in Bechuanaland, and even lacjs down to the age of fourteen years, are being commandeered by the Boers for service.