OF PRETORIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 100, 7 June 1900, Page 2

OF PRETORIA.

THE TOWN ENTERED ON TUESDAY. EVENTS LEADING DP TO THE SURRENDER. Received 8, 8.40 a,m. Londoni June 5. Itisofficially announced that Pretoria baa been occupied. (Reoeived 6, 9.5 a.m.) London, June 5. It was officially announced at noon to-day that the Guards Brigade were close to the southernmost fort at Pretoria, while Lieutenant-Generals French and Hutton were on the hills north of the city. Major-General Broadwood commanded the western position, while BrigaJ:?r-General Gordon was at Irene in readiness to support the G sards Brigade. Details of the movement leading up to the investment show that on Monday morning Lord Roberts marched 10 miles to Six Miles Spruit, both banks of which were occupied. The Mounted Infantry and Yeomanry cleared the south bank, pursuing the enemy for a mile, when they met a heavy artillery fire. The Royal Artillery and Naval guns were hurried to the front, and with a few rounds dispersed the Boers. The Boers next attempted to turn the left flank, but were foiled by the Mounted Infantry and Yeomanry. Lieut.-General Hamilton, advancing three miles on the left, was directed to incline his forces inwards. This movement drove the enbmy towards Pretoria. The British, after twelve hours' marching and fighting, bivouacked on the battle ground, the Guards and other commands surrounding Preterin in the positions stated. At two o'clock to-day Lord Roberts ceremoniously entered Pretoria.

COLONIAL REJOICINGS. WEllington, June 6. The bells rang this morning and thtcity and vessels were decorated with bunting in celebration of the occupation of Pretoria. Palmeuston North, June 6. The town was freely decorated with bunting to-day after the reception ol the news of the British occupation of Pretoria, but there was no special demonstration, EXCITEMENT IN NEW PLYMOUTH. An incipient outburst of excitement was caused in New Plymouth when the news of Pretoria's capture was received. Fireballs rang out, factory whistles and bells added to the din, and the Oity Band played a few bars of the National Anthem.