THE NOOITGEDACHT REVERSE.

Manawatu Herald, 20 December 1900, Page 2

THE NOOITGEDACHT REVERSE.

Major-General Clements's retirement from the Magaliesbergs to Commando Nek was orderly, though a considerable quantity of transport was lost, owing to the native drivers deserting. Ammunition which was not re- j moved was destroyed, in order to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. All the retiring troops behaved well. Major- General Broadwood's force bns retired eastward towards Rusteni,,.... The Boers admit that they achieved their success with heavy losses. AN ATTACK ON VRYHEID. A Boer force under Commandant Ferrier surprised the British outposts at Vryheid, and tried to rush the town. Severe fighting ensued in the course of which Colonel Fawn (?) was dangerously wounded. The attack was ultimately repulsed. The Boers under Commandant Ferrier numbered 1200, and suffered 100 casualties. The British lost seven killed, twentyone wounded and thirty captured. Subsequently Lieut. -Colonel C. J. ! Blomfield, who was escorting a convoy, reached Vryheid. On the way Lieut. -Colonel Blomfield attacked six hundred Boers, killing and wounding thirty. The British loss was two killed. MORE TROOPS FOR SOUTH AFRICA. A force of five thousand to form a South African Constabulary is being recruited in England. ALL TRAFFIC SUSPENDED. The Portuguese have reinforced their artillery and mounted troops on the frontier. All the traffic with the Transvaal over the Dolagoa Bay- Pretoria Railway has been suspended. ATTACK ON THABANCHU. General De Wet daringly led three attacks on Thabanchu, and finally escaped with the bulk of his followers. The commando assaulting Thabanchu Nek was repulsed. Haasbrock's commando, with two guns, attacked Springkans Nek, and was repulsed with the loss of forty men. , CAPTURED BRITISHERS RELEASED. The Boers who were at Magaliesberg subdivided their forces, which are proceeding west and south. They released their prisoners, 315 of whom have arrived at Rustenburg. LORD METHUEN'S DIVISION. Lord Methuen's division on Friday captured a laager containing 1500 cattle, 2000 sheep, much ammunition and a number of waggons.