OPERATIONS IN THE FREE STATE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 94, 3 May 1900, Page 2

OPERATIONS IN THE FREE STATE.

LORD MKTHUKN'S MOVEMENTS. Received 2, 10 a.m. London, May 1. The Imperial Light Horse have reached Capetown from Natal, aud are about to start for Kimberley. L3rd Methuen has seized the telegraph lines in the Boshof district. HEAVY FIGHTING AT THAJ3A N'CHU. STRENGTHENING OF BRITISH FORCES. Received 3, 1.40 a.m. London, May 2. General Brabazon's Yeomanry, on Sunday night, extricated a convoy which was attacked midway between Thaba N'chu and Dewetsburg. Lord Roberts reports that the Boers' attack in the Thaba N'cbu district was persistent on Saturday and Sunday. General Rundle's position is very strong.

The enemy in the vicinity were fewer on Monday, enabling General French to strengthen General Hamilton, who, with General Smith-DorrieD, is fighting a strong force at Hautnek, twelve miles north-west of Thaba N'chu, under Commandant Botha. General Hamilton's casualties are thirty.

LORD ROBERTS'S STRATEGY. THE USE OF MOUNTED FORCES. (Received 3,1.40 a.m.) London, May 2. Lord Roberts is carrying out a great enveloping movement. His mounted forces are sweeping the whole of the front, and 18,000 troops are engaged threatening Commandant Botha. The latter covers the retirement of the Wepener Boers in the direction of Winburg. Their retreat to Brandfort. is already rendered hopeless.

ANOTHER BRITISH SUCCESS.

Received 3, 1.50 a.m.

London, May 2. Lord Roberts reports that Genera; Maxwell occupied Schauckraal Vlakfontein, a row of kopjes ruuning 20 or 30 miles north-not theaso of Thaba Si'chu. His mounted troops engaged some of the enemy's horse. All the British troops have ample warm clothing.

Mr, T. VV. Eeitz, Secretary of State for the Transvaal, has doclarod his intention to expel every foreigner in the Republics who refuses to tight.