LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE ON THE TRANSVAAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 100, 4 June 1900, Page 3

LORD ROBERTS'S ADVANCE ON THE TRANSVAAL

THE BOERS' NEW CAPITAL. OFFICIAL SILENCE AS TO PRETORIA. Received 2, 9.20 a.m. London, June 1. Irish-Americans made unsuccessful attempts to destroy the JohannesburgPretoria railway. Middleburg has been proclaimed the Transvaal capital. Though there is indirect confirmation that Pretoria really surrendered, some surprise is expressed at the official silence on the matter. The Queen telegraphed to Mr. Chamberlain at Birmingham congratulation on the occupation of Johannesburg. There were no delirious rejoicings in England over the fall of Johannesburg and Pretoria like the rejoicings over the relief of Ladysmith and Mafeking. Lord Boberts has captured eight more locomotives. Hundreds of Uitlanders are returning to Johannesburg. PANIC AND CONFUSION AT PRETORIA. GENERAL HUNTER'S FORCE. Received 3, 6 p.m. London, June 2. Panic and confusion prevail in Pretoria. Crowds of refugees are going out of the land.

L Lieut.-General Hunter's main army i is at Barberepan, and his yeomanry and cavalry are junctioned with MajorGeneral Baden-Powell at Blojesvlei. Mr. Hay, American Consul at Pretoria, has sent two telegrams to Mr. Choite, American Minister in England, I dealing with the recent developments. The first announced the "liberation of Lord Cecil Manners and the second the liberation of the Earl of Rosslyn. Gregorowski and the Law and Order Committee were not mentioned. GENERAL FRENCH'S FORCE. BOERS DRIVEN FROM STRONG POSITIONS. London, June 2. Lord Roberts cabled on Thursday morning:—" General French on Monday and Tuesday was opposed throughout his march. He drove the Boers from strong positions, and is now holding the place I directed him, north of Johannesburg. His casualties were two killed and 129 wounded. THE ENEMY DEMORALISED. Received 4, 1.35 a.m. London, June 3. The Boers who are retreating before General French's force are in a demoralised and exhausted condition. They traversed Pretoria, going eastwards. They meanwhile joined with mercenaries in looting the Government stores.

THE ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP THE MINES. JUDGE KOCK ARRESTED. (Received 4, 1.30 a m.) London, June 3. Judge Kock was arrested at Johannesburg prior to the surrender, while attempting to explode the mines. LORD ROBERT3'S RECEPTION IN JOHANNESBURG. London, June 3. The telegraph lines are closed to the Delagoa public. Lord Roberts's message, dated Johannesburg, Thursday night, transmitted on Friday, described his satisfactory reception on entering the city, BOERS RESISTING ENTRY INTO PRETORIA. ORDER BEING MAINTAINED IN JOHANNESBURG. (Received 4, 1.34 a.m.) London, June 3. Latest advices from Pretoria, dated Thursday night, state that one commando is attempting to harass Lord Roberts's rear, while others are gathered at a point six miles south of Pretoria, with the intention of resisting the advance. Lord Roberts wired from Johannesburg that Major-General Wavell maintains order in the town. The remainder of the British forces are encamped on Pretoria Road. This message was, doubtless, sent by hand to the Orange frontier.