PRETORIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 100, 1 June 1900, Page 3

PRETORIA.

THE TOWN ABANDONED BY THE ' BOERS. (Received 31, 5.32 p.m.) London, May 31. The Boers have abandoned Pretoria. INCIDENTS OF THE MARCH. FAILURE OF A BOER MOVE. (Received 31, 9.10 a.m.) London, May 30. Since crossing the Vaal River, Lord Roberts's troops have advanced in light inarching order on half rations. The Boerg attempted to surprise a patrol in Muller's Pass, but failed, and I all of them were captured or killed. I BOER GARRISON DISMISSED. BRITISH PRISONERS. RELEASED. UTRECHT SURRENDERS. (Received 31,11.16 p.m.) London, May 31. The Boer garrison round Pretoria have been dismissed. Lord Roberts despatched a force to Hatherley. President Kruger meanwhile fled. The Burgomaster of Pretoria has summoned a meeting of the Committee to preserve order and receive the British. The crowds are quiet and expectant. The Earl of Rosslyn cabled to the Daily Mail that Mr. Hay, American Consul at Pretoria, and others, fearing an outbreak amongst the British prisoners, obtained the release of twenty officers on parole, who reassured the men, announcing their early release. Utrecht has surrendered to General Hildyard. '

A CONTROL COMMITTEE. '.Received 1,1.30 a.m. London, May 31. A committee to preserve order appointed in Pretoria includes Chief Justice Gregorwski, Mr. A. R. Loveday (spokesman of the Outlander Party in the Raad, where he represents the Barberton goldfields), and Mr. Samuel Marks (head of a well-known firm). BT-THK receipt of the news in AUSTRALIA. Received 1, 1.30 a.m. Sydney, May 31. There was little excitement in the city over the abandonment of Pretoria, jg. Adelaide, May 31. There were great rejoicings over] Pretoria in the Town Hall. Bells were rung, and the city was illuminated. Hobabt, May 31. There were great rejoicings in the city over the abandonment of Pretoria.

HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED IN NEW PLYMOUTH. The rejoicings in town on receipt of the news that the Baors had abandoned there-capital city (which came through at about 6 o'clock) were of a decidedly free-and-easy order, anything in the shape of an official programme being quite out of the question, on account of the lateness of the hour. The firebells were promptly set going, and tbeir clanging and clamour, together with an fticompariment on the Sath <fc Door O jmpany's horn, soon resulted in a turnout in all parts of the town, and a huge assemblage in Devon street". News extras, which weie printed off at a great rate, were much in demand, and onr office was b> sieged by a crowd of " anxious e'q iirers.'' The Boys of the Old (tin) Brigade, with the Cracker Cadets, paraded vp and down DevonBtreet, and the quality of their music, like that cf their marching, was indescribable —good wasa't the word for it. The City Band, wit h their usual alacrity and willingness, quickly assembled Opposite their b&ndroom and soon had a large crowd listening to the playing of several pitrictic selections. The vim with which tnete were p'ayed was such as could ■ only have been evoked by a particularly happy occasion. Liter on the Town Band gave a number of appropriate items at the intersection of Devon and Brougham-streets, and contributed to the merry-making that was the order of the evening. The tireless tattoo of the Tin-can Contingent was maintained until a late heur.

On receipt of the good news, Captain Hood, harbourmaster, obtained the s s. Gairloch's signal gun (which had not been used for a number of years), and, it in position on the wharf, fired five rounds, to the evident delight of the loyal residents of Moturoa. It is the intention of Captain Hood to, if possible, retain the gun in order that it may be of service in future celebrations. Mr. E. M. Smith, M.H.R., on Thursday, received the following wire from the Hon. J.-G. Ward :—" News has been received, through the press, of the abandonment of Pretoria by the Boers, and, although not officially confirmed, I have no reason to doubt its correctness. J have, on fcebalf of the colony, cabled to Lord Roberts warmest congratulations on his magnificent achievement." EXCITEMENT IN WELLINGTON.

Wellington, May 31. The clanging of bells and the screeching of sirens, announcing to the public to-night, when about to partake of the evening meal, that something unusual had happened, only a few miuutes elapsed before thestieets were crowded, and there was general rejoicing at the abandonment of Pretoria, the popular impression being that it means an early closure to the struggle. Sockets and detonators were fired at intervals throughout the night, and patriotic airs were sung, LOYAL NELSON. Nelsox, May 31. The news of the Boer abandonment of Pretoria was received here with demonstrations of joy. Jkll.s were rung, guns and rockets weiu fired, a procession was formed, coin';red lights purnpd, and the people chew ed lustily. HOW NAPIER RECEIVED TiJE NEWS Napier, May 31. The news of the capture of Man*

I nesburg was received here comparaI tively quietly, but the telegram narrating the fall of Pretoria simply sent the town mad. Bells rang, bands paraded the streets, and everything that could make a noise, musical or otherwise, was requisitioned. Fireworks were set going in the evening, Illuminations and a display of bunting were general. Even the relief of Ladysmith, Kimberley, and Mafeking did not cause such excitement and enthusiasm.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM NEW ZEALAND. Wellington, May 31. The Hon. J. G. Ward, ActingPremier, has sent the following cable to Lord Roberts:—"News has been received here of your successful entry into Johannesburg and the abandonment of Pretoria by the Boers. On behalf of New Zealand, I beg to tender you warmest congratulations on your magnificent achievement." A HALF-HOLIDAY TO BE PROCLAIMED.

Wellington, May 31. The Government have decided that a half-holiday shall be proclaimed- in honour of the success of the British troops in the Transvaal. The Mayor has also proclaimed a half-holiday, and the City Corporation is arranging for a monster demonstration in the evening. A large and enthusiastic crowd assembled at the Post Office to-night. Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.H.R., delivered an address. The Postmaster-General has agreed to extend the holiday to all Pest and Telegraph Offices from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. All stations will be in attendance at 7 p.m.