The Transvaal.

Manawatu Herald, 10 November 1900, Page 2

The Transvaal.

MR KRUGER'S TOUR. Mr Kruger is in better health, although he is much troubled with weakness of the eyes. A meeting of Deputies representing the city of Paris and members of the Municipal Council of Paris unanimously passed a resolution to welcome Mr Kruger in the name of the city, as an expression of admiration of the Transvaal's defence of its independence. The speakers disclaimed any desire to criticise international actions, but asserted that they were guided by humane considerations. The war was decimating the British troops, who were not responsible tor their Government's mistakes. Several of the European Governments have notified Dr Leyds that it will be regrettable if any encourage ment is given to Mr Kruger. Instructions have been given to the French police to prevent anti-British demonstrations and demonstrations against the Premier (M. WaldeckRousseau) on the occasion of Mr Kruger's arrival at Marseilles. STILL DETERMINED. In the course of an interview Mr Kruger declared that the Boers would continue to fight unremittingly. TWO GALLANT OFFICERS. Major Saunders, of Major- General Smith-Dorrien's rearguard, during the recent engagement at Witkop, in the face of a blizzard and under a heavy, close fire, rescued a sergeant who had lost his horse. Both retured on one horse. Later on Major Saunders. who was wounded, had his horse killed, and Lieutenant T. Chalmers went to his assistance. The Major implored the Lieutenant to leave, but the young officer refused and was killed. Lieutenant Colquhoun, of the Vic torian Navy, who fought with distinc tion at the Battle of Graspan, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Order. RAIDERS IN THE SOUTH. A Boer commando under Hermanns Steyn has occupied and looted Ficks burg, in the east of Orange Colony, The British flag was torn to shreds, which were tied to horses' tails. Fourteen hundred Boers are close to Ladybrand, about thirty-eight miles south-west of Ficksburg. Fight hundred cattle which have been captured at Frankfort, were re-, taken, with an additional two hundred. A Boer commando has taken up a position near Petrusville. MENDACTIES OF MR STEYN. Lord Roberts reports that while the Boers are unmistakably losing heart, owing to scarcity of food and still greater scarceness of ammunition, exPresident Steyn is doing his utmost to maintain the hopeless struggle. Mr Steyn told General De La R«'.''j burghers that General De Wet had seized Norvals Pont j. and 7000 Cape Dutch had risen ; and that Mr Kruger would obtain intervention, or the Transvaal to the highest bidder. REFUGEES AT BLOEMFONTEIN, Marauding bands round Bloemfontein have compelled all the British farmers and neutral Boers to refuge in the town, which is crowded. THE KOFFYFONTEIN ACTION. Particulars of the recent Boer attack on Koffyfontein show that Captain Robertson, of the Kimherley Light Horse, strongly posting his men in the debris from the mines overlooking the town, held the position, and repelled the Boers on October 26th. The women and children were protected until the arrival of relief on the 2nd inst. MILITARY OPERATIONS. The messages from South Africa describing the movements of the troops are being censored. There are indications that flying columns from garrisoned centres are being organised to suppress marauders. It is expected that the British military headquarters will be transferred from Pretoria to Johannesburg. It U officially announced that the transmission of private telegrams to Orange River Colony and the Transvaal has been suspended. MISCELLANEOUS. The late Prince Victor has been buried at Pretoria. Prince Francis of Teck, Field-Marshal Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener were present, and the Australian contingents were repre sented. Twenty Boers captured a train loaded with military stores near Kimberley. The Bushmen who distinguished themselves at Rustenburg, in the Western Transvaal, belonged to Major Viall's West Australian Contingent. The Paris newspaper " Le Matin "

describes the colonial troops in South Africa as scum and robbers of the worst sort, especially Australians.

The Dunedin " Star " states that on the return of the First Contingent a court-martial will probably be held to investigate certain allegations against Lieutenant-Colonel Robin.