DESTRUCTION OF REBEL FARMS.

Manawatu Herald, 30 December 1900, Page 2

DESTRUCTION OF REBEL FARMS.

Lieut. -General Colville's column encountered a commando at Moddersfonteini The enemy tried to envelop the British, who, however, quickly took up a half-moon formation on the neighbouring kopjes, bringing a pompom into action. The Boers wavered under the fire, and the Infantry charged routing them with heavy loss. The British had four men wounded.

The "Daily Mail" states that a force at Heidelburg destroyed thirtyseven Boer farms, and removed the stock to the Orange River Colony.

During a recent raid the Boers shot a farmer who previously surrendered to the British at Klip river because he refused to rejoin his commando.

All. the available cavalry forces in Belfast district have been warned to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to South Africa.

Notwithstanding his apology and the severe castigation he received through the press, Mr Bryn Roberts, M.P., is unrepentant. He intends reopening the question regarding the behaviour of South African colonials as soon as Parliament meets next session. BADEN-POWELL'S POLICE. A thousand Canadians are enrolling in Major- General Baden- Powell's new police. SHORTAGE OF AMMUNITION. Prisoners confess that the Boers object in capturing isolated detach ments is to secure arms and ammunition. Commandant Boyers punishes a first offence for using ammunition needlessly by a fine of ten shillings ; ior a second offence a fine of ten pounds ; for a third with death. MISCELLANEOUS. The damage recently reported on the Cape railway was chiefly caused by floods, but is being rapidly repaired. Lord Kitchener has gone to Naauwpoort. Major-Gen. Thorneycroft's mounted detachmeut occupied Britstown unopposed. The Boers retired towards Prieska, whither they were followed. A BOER FORCE DISLODGED. General Christian De Wet refuses to make a stand, and is kept moving, thus losing many horses.

A mixed force with seven guns expelled some Boers from kopjes to tbe north-west of Steynsburg. The enemy went to Zaurbeig. The district round Ladybrand, in tbe east of Oraog* River Colony, ia now dear of Bom.

IN CAPE COLONY. The British at Coleaburg, in tho north of Cape Colony, are commandeering horses for remounts. LORD ROBERTS. Lord Roberts has arrived at Madeira. Lord Kitchener, who has been at Naauwpoort, has gone northwards. CYCLISTS. A ragiment of cyclists is being formed at Capetown to protect lines of communication. AROUND ZEERUST. Heavy and persistent sniping at convoys continues in the Zeerust district. Major-General Mahan has cancelled the permits of country people visiting Zeerust, least they glean information for the enemy. IMPROVED EFFICIENCY. Reuter's correspondent says the chase after De Wet has made the Bri. tish the finest mounted infantry in the world. Major-General Knox's officers are instinctively as prompt as the Boers to seize the situation, but a rearguard action always enables De Wet to gain twenty miles on his pursuers.