CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 6 December 1900, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

The Transvaal. THE REITFONTEIN ENGAGEMENT. Details of the engagements at Reitfontein, north-east of Bronkhorst Spruit, shows that Major-General Paget in surrounding the enemy during the evening, intended to attack them at dawn. The enemy, however, obtained reinforcements, including three guns, and made a determined attack, but were repulsed with heavyloss, and withdrew during the night to the north-east. Paget's force occupied the position vacated, and sent mounted troops in pursuit. The New Zealanders showed great gallantry and lost five out of six officers. His Excellency the Governor has received the following cablegram from j Lord Roberts, dated Ladysmitb, 2nd I December ; — " I have received from Lord Kitchener an account of an action in which the men of your colony, under Major-General Paget, bore themselves with even more conspicuous gallantry that is their custom. " They have, I regret to learn, suffered severely, five officers out of six being wounded. " I am inquiring about the wounded and asking for a report as to their progress. u General Paget especially mentions for gallantry Captains Crawshaw and Chaytor. New Zealand may well be proud of such officers. — (Signed) | Roberts." AN APPOLOGY FROM BELGUIM. King Leopold presided at a Cabinet meeting, and it was decided to apologise for the smashing of windows at the British Consulate at Liege, during Mr Kruger's visit. Mr Kruger was interviewed by a Belgian journalist at Cologne, and said " All is lost." DEFENCE OF JOHANNESBURG. A force of Rand Rifles is being formed at Johannesburg, comprising all British residents between certain ages. MR KRUGER, Emperor William's envoy at Luxemburg went to Cologne and informed Mr Kruger, in response to a telegram tendering the ex- President's devotion and cordial sympathy, that the Emperor regretted that owing to previous arrangement he was unable at present to receive him. Mr Kruger has therefore abandoned his proposed visit to Berlin, and will go to Holland aiter a iew days' rest. On receiving the Emperor's refusal to grant an interview, Mr Kruger wept. He renewed his request for intervention later, reminding the Emperor ot the significant encouragement he received from him four years ago.