THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 93, 25 April 1900, Page 3

THE WAR.

OPERATIONS INTHE FREE STATE. TO THE BELIEF OP WEPENEB.

[By Eusotbio Thlxgbaph.—Copyright.] [mb pbkss association.] (Received 24, 9.45 a.m.) London, April 23. Major-General Brabant, leading onehalf of his mounted division, found the Boers strongly posted with several guns at Bushman's Kop. A cannonade and rifle fire was kept up briskly. Major-General Bundle's column, including the 17th Brigade with two batteries of artillery, traversed a roadless country amid heavy rain for three days. The enemy were met with athwart the road to westward of Dewetedorp. Major-General Brabazon cleared the plateau cleverly, outflanking and driving the Boers off. The Yeomanry then seized a hill, holding it despite bombardment by five guns. The infantry supported them. Major-General Bundle on Saturday entrenched his forces. The 16th Brigade then arrived on the scene, and an artillery duel continued all day. General Pole-Carew is operating with the 2nd Battalion of Seuth Wales Borderers at Sanias Post, about twenty ■ilea north of Dewetsdorp. THE BELIEF FORCE. Received 34, 11 pan. London, April 24. Generals Brabant and Hart oatflanked the enemy and compelled them to retire. General Brabant is now within eight miles of Wepener. A NUMBER OF THE WOBCESTEB REGIMENT MISSING. A HARD FIGHT. Received 25, 1.30 ajn. London, April 24. General Bundle reports that 35 of the Worcester Regiment, who were on outpost duty in the dark, are missing. General Pole-Carew, with the 11th Division, and General French, with two brigades of cavalry, inarching to assist General Bundle, fought their way to Karrief. Three were killed and nineteen wounded. Eleven of the Dragoon Guards are missing.

| |Gen«ral Pole-Carew seized Leeuwkop, on the extreme left of the Boer extended position, having previously outflanked the enemy on the right and left The enemy evacuated Leeuwkop in the night, and hold another position across the British line of advance.