FIELD-MARSHAL ROBERTS'S ADVANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 95, 7 May 1900, Page 2

FIELD-MARSHAL ROBERTS'S ADVANCE.

RETREAT OF THE BOEES. A GORDON HIGHLANDER CHARGE. (Received 5, 9.35 a.m.) i London, May 4. General Broadwood, in command of , the Household Cavalry, 10th Hussars, and 12th Lancers, advanced 28 miles northwards in the Thaba N'chu district. The Boers fled towards the east and , north. Later on General Broadwood reached Babelfontein, ten miles north of j Hautnek. The Boers have evacuated the Thaba N'chu hills, and are trekking northwards. Four thousand Boers reinforced Brandfort on the 2nd, and a "sharp artillery duel occurred, resulting in General Tucker dismantling two guns. Commandant Delarey has retreated in the direction of Winburg. Blake's Irish-American commando evacuated Brandfort on the 3rd, when General Hutton advanced. Lord Roberts has now gone to Brandfort. The British casualties are small. Captain Towse and fifteen Gordon Highlanders were surrounded by a force of Boers under Commandant De Wet on Tuesday and called upon to surrender. Captain Towse ordered his men to fix bayonets, and rushing at the enemy swept through them, inflicting great slaughter. Captain Towse was blinded in both eyes by the enemy's fire. OCCUPATION OF SMITHFIELD. A NUMBER OF BOERS TAKEN PRISONERS. Received 6, 6 p.m.' London, May 5. General Hart occupied Smithfield on Wednesday, capturing 25 Boers, One hundred and twenty-five fled. Lord Roberts telegraphs that General Hunter reports very satisfactory news. He succeeded in passing the Yaal River at Windsorton, the town being carried unopposed. A Boer doctor reports that in Captain Towse's charge the Gordons killed; fifty of the enemy.

NEW ZEALANDEBS FIRST TO ENTE! BRANDFORT.

A BOER GUN DISMANTLED,

(Received C, 6.50 p.m.)

London, May 5, Grneral Hutton has gone to Vel River. Generals Tucker and Pole Oarew follow to-day.

The New Zaaland Mounted Rifles were the first to enter Brandfort, The foreign military attachda accompanied Commandant Delarey in his retreat.

A sis-inch gun opened on the Boers' laagers at Fourteen Streams, distant seven and a half miles, dismantling one gun and compelling a hasty retreat. A FIGHTING MARCH. GENERAL HAMILTON'S PROGRESS. (Received 7,1.15 a.m.)

London, May 6. Lieut.-General lan Hamilton, on Friday, reached Welkour, on the Vet River, 15 miles south-west of Winburg. He fought his way throughout the whole march. General Hamilton eulogises the bravery of General Broadwood's cavalry and mounted infantry.