Boer Insurrection.

Patea Mail, 30 December 1880, Page 3

Boer Insurrection.

ATTACK ON YEOMEN TROOPS. REPULSE OF THE BOERS, The long-threatened insurrection of Dutch Boors in the Transvaal is now a sanguinary fact. They have risen ut Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal, ami having driven out the colonial officers of Government, the Boers proclaimed Krenger as president of a Republic. The proclamation says they do not desire wav with the British, but are determined to re-establish their independence. A large body of Boer settlers are armed, ami are compelling others to join the standard of the Republic. The Dutch settlers had their independence before the Zulu outbreak, but being then in fear of annihilation from native tribes on the Transvaal border, the Colonial Government was memorialised by the principal settlers to take over the government and give them security. This was

done. Then the Zulu power was crushed by a costly and disastrous war, and now the Boer politicians, being no longer in dread of the natives, are demanding the ve-establishraent of their Republic. Fighting has commenced severely. A body of colonial yeomanry were ordered to march to Pretoria, to restore order and reinstate the officials of Government. The force being small, about 250, they were attacked by a larger body ot Boers at the small town of Potchefstroom. The yeomanry made a brave defence, and after a severe and bloody fight of several hours the Boers retired from the attack, having had a virtual victory. The reports are conflicting. One cable message says 5 officers and 120 rank and file were killed and wounded, the remainder being taken prisoners, but the colors were saved, A later despatch says the colonial troops made a strong defence, and though many were killed, the attack was completely repulsed, [_Last night’s cable reports that reinforcements are being sent from England. ]