THE "BLUE JACKETS" IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 98, 25 April 1879, Page 4

THE "BLUE JACKETS" IN SOUTH AFRICA.

The Naval Brigade brought to Natal by Her Majesty's ship Active is the largest body of the kind that has yet been seen on these shores. There are 230 in all, including about 20 big Kroomen from the Gold Coast, whose appearance in naval uniform and with English speech seemed the puzzle the Kaffir bystanders. The Blue Jackets, who were received with hearty cheers as they landed, are mostly youngsters ; but their sturdy, thick-set forms, tanned faces, and resolute bearing are proofs of very serviceable qualities. They were four months in the field on the Cape frontier, a year ago, from December to April, and did good work, while they got hardened and seasoned there. Their three Gatliug guns attracted

much curiosity. This is not the place to explain tbe construction of so complex a piece of mechanism ; suffice it to say tbat each gun has ten distinct muzzle barrels, like an old-fashioned revolver, and can pour forth a rain of shots at the rate of 230 rounds in seven seconds. The destructive effect of such a fire, taking effect as it can, and does, at a range of 1800 yards, can scarcely be imagined. The brigade is supplied with ammunition enough for a Russian campaign, if need were, while tbe spirit of the men themselves is quite as bellicose as can be desired. The celerity with which they swarmed out of the steamer en to tbe wharf, formed into rank there, and marched straight off to the station, told its own tale. May they, and the fine-looking feliows of the 28tb, who landed about the same time — as fine a eet of soldiers as we have ever welcomed — be able to feel when they leave our scores that they have not been here in vain. That must be their hope, as it is ours, and it will be no fault of theirs should tbat hope not be realised.