THE LADYSMITH RELIEF FORCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 17, 22 January 1900, Page 2

THE LADYSMITH RELIEF FORCE.

BRITISH ADVANCE NORTHWARDS. BOERS PREPARING TO RESIST. (Received 20, 9.15 a.m.) London, January 19. Lord Roberts cabled that Sir Charles Warren is advancing northwards fiom Trichards Drift in the direction of Spionkop and Dewdrop, and hopeß to turn a strongly entrenched Boer position situated five miles from his right. In reference to the passage of the Tugela River, General Buller cabled that Sir Charles Warren's force crossed the river by means of a pontoon 85 yards long. He hopes Warren will have advanced five miles towards the enemy's position by the evening of ThuisJay. The Boers are busy fortifying their positions to resist the British advance.

General Buller made a spirited appeal to the men of the relief column, lie declared that it was intended to relieve Ladysmith. There would be no turning back. At the same time he warned tho troops to beware of the Boers' treachery, especially their abuse of the white flag. A' later report states that the British crossed the river practically without opposition. Sir Charles Warren shelled the trenches of the opposing Boers with howitzers all day Thursday, and succeeded in making a breach in the sand bag emplacements Avhich they had thrown up to protect their guns. The Boers did not respond to the lire.

The success Avhich has attended the British advance has put the troops in good heart, and all are noAV full of confidence. (Received 20, 935 a.m.) Dukban, January 19. On first arriving near Potgieter's Drift Lord Dundonald found the Boers quite unprepared. They were totally unaware of his proximity, as many were bathing. The crossing of the Tugela River at Potgieter's Drift by Colonel Lyttelton's brigade Avas accomplished under great difficulties. The troops Avaded the swollen river, the Avater being waist high ; and to prevent themselves being carried off thtnr feet the men grasped one another by the rifles. The opposite | bank was thus reached in safety, the | enemy meanwhile offering virtually no opposition, ONE OF KRUGER'S GRANDSONS A PRISONER. (F.oceivacl 2i, 1,23 a.m.) Capetown, January 21, Lord Dundoaald captured one of Kruger's grandsons.