CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 4 March 1902, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

The Transvaal. DETAILS OF THE FIGHT AT BOTHASBERG. The correspondent of the “ Standard,” in describing the fight at Bothaberg, says i —“ The columns formed portion of a combined sweeping movement, one driving to the east and the other southwards, culminating at Harrismith. “ Byng and Rimington swung round southward during the night. It was then wet, with the moon showing dimly. “ The Boers attempting to traverse northwards, using cattle as a wedge, and finally drove the herd against Byng’s right flank, where he joined Rimington’s left. “ The New Zealanders, who were at this point, bore the brunt of the attack, and though compelled to expose themselves, repelled the enemy with the utmost dash. “The enemy also displayed great gallantry. -• The combined sweeping movement continues, and General De Wet is still within the toils.” The newspapers comment on the fact that while Canada was celebrating Paardeburg, New Zealand, at the price of sorrow, added by the Seventh's achievement to a splendid record. The “ Standard ” says, “ Englishmen will rejoice that colonials have again been of conspicuous service to the Empire.” Lord Kitchener, writing from Harrismith on the 28th alt., reports that the line of the Wilge river was held by the Leinster Regiment, General Elliott’s division and mounted troops from Harrismith, while the columns along the Frankfort-Botha’s Pass blockhouse line advanced south, holding the country between the Wilge river and the Natal border. On the first night of the drive the Boers made a severe attempt to pass between the force of Colonels Rimington and Byng, but the Seventh New Zealanders, with the greatest gallantry came to close quarters. The Boers as usual drove a large herd of cattle as a vanguard. M. Botha and thirty-five .dead were discovered on the field.

Two small attempts to break out succeeded on the last days. Four hundred and fifty Boers were captured. All the columns engaged have not yet reported. The operations covered a wide range, but six hundred were killed or taken prisoners. Lord Kitchener adds that the operations formed an appropriate anniversary of Majuba Hill. The sweeping movement culminated on the 27th nit. in driving the Boers against the Harrismith-Van Keenan’s blockhouse line, where the final struggle took place. The prisoners include Commandants Meyer and Truther. In his Harrismith despatch, Lord Kitchener states that the captures during the recent operations were : Two thousand horses, 28,000 cattle, 200 waggons, 6000 sheep sheep. 600 rifles aiid 50,000 rounds of ammunition. General De Wet is now on the western side of the Wilge river. Commandant Wessels attempted to cross to his assistance, but was repulsed. All the drifts on the Wilge river are strongly held. Lord Kitchener reports that the Boer casualties in the recent operations were eight hundred, not six ■hundred, as before reported. Lord Kitchener, wiring from Volksrust on the Ist inst., reports that the Boers had fifty killed, and ten wounded and seven hundred and fifty-nine unwounded prisoners taken. Ha adds that in addition to this number it is stated, but the statement needs verification, that there were a hundred killed and wounded with the Boers who broke through the lines on the 24th. On that occasion the report says, in addition to the New Zealanders, Colonel Cox, Third New South Wales Mounted RiSea, behaved extremely

well, drawing a heavy fire. The troops, although tired, worked day and night in the best of spirits, with satisfactory results. MESSAGE FROM LORD KITCHENER. The Premier has received the following cablegram from Lord Kitchener, dated Harrismith, March Ist: —“ I have just seen Seventh Contingent, New Zealanders, and congratulated them on the extremely gallant manner they held their position when attacked by De Wet on night of 24th February. Wounded are in hospital here, and all doing well and in good spirits.” ADVICE FROM THE AGENTGENERAL. The Agent-General has cabled to the Premier in the following terms in regard to the sfand made by the Seventh New Zealanders“ Lord Kitchener’s reference to gallant conduct of New Zealanders at Clondalamo, Botha’s Pass, loudly cheered in House of Commons yesterday. Competent military critics here consider sweeping movement, success of which was assured by New Zealand victory, the most important point scored for many months.” Speaking of this communication yesterday, the Premier said: “ This further emphasises how much the services of our brave sons are appreciated and how much his self sacrifice is felt.” SYMPATHY FROM THE COMMONWEALTH. A cablegram to the Premier from the Hon. Edmund Barton, Melbourne, reads:—"On behalf of the Commonwealth Government, I desire to tender deepest sympathy with New Zealand in the heavy losses which her gallant 1 troops sustained at Bothasberg on Sun« day last.” The Hon; E. N. Lewis, Premier of Tasmania, in a cablegram to the Premier, says:—“ Tasmania, sympathises with New Zealand in the loss of so many of her gallant sons, at the same time congratulating her upon the magnificent and successful stand .made by her troops against enormous odds.” FRESH HORSES WANTED. The Pretoria correspondent of “ The Times," writing on February Bth, em* phasises the necessity for fresh horses being sent into the country in large and regular timely consignments. Otherwise, be says, the progress now being made will be arrested. ENTERIC VICTIMS. The Governor is advised of the death at Elandsfontein, on 34th February, of Lance-Corporal Peter George, of Roxburg, Otago, Seventh Contingent, of enteric. Trooper Robert J. Geary, Portabello, Otago, Sixth Contingent, is reported dangerously ill of enteric at Wakkerstrom. LORD HOPETOUN’S CONGRATULATIONS. Mr Seddon has received the following cable message from Lord Hopetoua, Governor-General of Australia :—“ While deploring the heavy casualties and deeply sympathising with the relations of those slain in the recent South African fight, I congratulate New Zealand on the magnificent bravery of her sons, and venture to predict that their heroic work will do much to terminate this terrible war. Australia is very proud of her neighbour’s gallant boys.” Mr Seddon has sent a copy of Lord Hopetoun’s message to the relatives of the fallen and wounded.

Latest. 'THE DRAKENSBERG AFFAIR. Lord Kitchener reports that the New Zealanders’ effective fire was shown by the captured cattle, a large proportion of which were wounded. The order of the columns east and west was Rawlinson’s, Nixon’s Remington’s, Byng’s and Keir’s, The wounded New Zealanders are doing well. The other casualties were one officer killed and four men wounded. Rawlinson gave the surrounded Boers an hour’s armistice to decide whether to surrender or fight. Four hundred and fifty yielded,, including John Wesaels, a prominent leader. CAVALRY FOR SOUTH AFRICA. The Reserve Squadron of the Seventh Dragoon Guards at Aidershot, also the Depot Squadron of the Sixteenth Lancers, have been warned to hold themselves in readiness to embark for South; Africa. UNREMUNERATIYB BILLETS. Several Griqualand West farmers received sentences of four and three years’ imprisonment for acting as Boer official collectors. BOERS CAPTURED. The constabulary surprised a laager at Batlaroville on the 19th and captured sixteen, including Landdrost Rodemeyer. They also captured seven subsequently. Commandant S cheepers’ father surrendered at Wonderfontein. The columns in the Pioksburg district captured ten Boers and three thousand cattle.