THE FIGHTING ROUND RENSBURG.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 52, 7 March 1900, Page 3

THE FIGHTING ROUND RENSBURG.

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(Received 6, 9.25 p.m.) 1 Hobart, March 6. 1 The Maori has arrived, and brings i Cape files to February 13tb, from which < the following is taken: — < Bbssbubg, February 9fcb. The i enemy made their appearance yester- 1 day, threatening the right flank and mading it advisable to stop wagons until the line was cleared. To-day the i Australians and Tasmanians, forty I strong, made a reconnaissance, having i a warm day's work, and were eventually < compelled to retire, driven back by an | overwhelming force several hundred i strong. Our force divided in two ' portions, and advanced. A party consisting of Tasmanians under Major Cameron supported the Inniskillings, and with Major Salmon, of the Victorian Rifles, examined the kopjes, while the remainder of the forces worked to the right. The latter were soon engaged with the enemy, who fired very heavily from the hills. The Australians, advancing across the plain, immediately sought cover, and returned , the fire. Meanwhile Major Cameron cme upon the flank of the Boers, who in turn sought cover. The Australians] poured a few volleys on the c nemy while ; they dismounted, who quickly replied, Cameron's men seeking cover on high rocky kopjes, which they held for an hour and a half, but the Boers, numerically stronger, worked round, firing at horses and men trying to get away, which they did under a hot fire, taking tip a second position and again checking the enemy. The enemy then circled round towards the rear, and the position was abandoned. The enemy fired wildly, furiously retreating, the Australians pursuing them within two miles of the outpost. None of the party were hit, but the escapes were marvellous. A supporting party arrived at the camp after a similar experience. One Tasmanian named Peers was wounded slightly in the neck. On several occasions during the day the effect of the volleys was visible from the empty saddles, Peers accounting for three. Our boys showed true grit throughout the engagement. The New Zealanders, Eimington's Guides, and a squadron of the Life Guards occupied a position on the extreme right fiauk of a large Boer force at Rensburg, and in a most audacious manner the New Zealanders made a sweep of the neighbouring hills. Several kopjes were reconnoitred and occupied, and finally the outpost which the enemy were occupying for some time past was rushed and taken, the enemy offering very little resistance. One New Zealand horse was wounded.