LORD ROBERTS' OPERATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 45, 24 February 1900, Page 3

LORD ROBERTS' OPERATIONS.

SEVERE BATTLE AT KOODOOSRAAD. HEAVY LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES. AN ARMISTICE ASKED FOR BY ORONJE. (Received 23, 9.10 a.m.) London, Fabruary 22. The Hon. L. Maxwell is amongst Lord Roberts' wounded officers. A later report states that the casualties so far reported relate to the advance guard only. The battle of Koodoosraad still raged yesterday. The silence of the War Office as to

the result has created much suspense. There are indications that Oronje has been reinforced and is stubbornly resisting the advance of Lord Roberts. The withdrawal of the enemy's forces from Natal is proceeding. The assistance given to Oionje is estimated at 20,000. De "Wit, the Free Ssate general, claims that the Boers stormed several kopjes between Koodoosraad and Pardeberg, and that the British evacu-

ated their positions, leaving the dead and wounded and 40 prisoners in the hands of the Boers, As a result of the battle of Koodoosraad, Cronje has asked for an armistice. The Boer losses were tremendous, and the British heavy. Sixteen officers of the Highland Brigade had been wounded and two killed up to Sunday. (Received 23, 9.80 a.m.) London, February 22. Oronje was surrounded for three days at Koodoosraad. Very heavy fighting took place on Sunday and Monday, the British using 50 guns.

I On Tuesday Oronje asked for an armistice.

The Boer losses were tremendous, and the British also lost heavily. (Received 23,10.15 a.m.) London, Fobruary 21. Ds Wit, the Free State Commandant,

acknowledges that his forces retreated to Riverton, 18 miles north of Kimberley, and that the British cavalry captured all his guns.