AFFAIRS AT THE CAPE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2578, 7 November 1893, Page 1

AFFAIRS AT THE CAPE.

London, Nov. 3. Mr Sidney Buxton, Under-Secretary for the Colonies, states that the British Government do not coincide with Sir Frederick Carrington's suggestion to crush the Matabeles, and personally he held the same views. Capetown, Nov. 2. Newa has just been received of the crushing and decisive defeat of the Matabeles. The enemy for;)many days preserved a wary attitude, and though in touch with the scouts of the company's forces, they could not be brought to book. On Friday, however, an impi made a vigorous attack on Captain Forbes' camp. They were mowed down in large numbers by an. unceasing fire of the breechloaders, but nothing daunted they renewed the attack on Saturday. When the column had reached to within 10 miles of Bulawayo, the Maxim guns made heavy havoc in their crowded, masses of men, and after a severe struggle the Matabeles showed sigi&rof giving way under the continued shower of bullets. Seizing the opportunity, Captain Forbes ordered a general charge, and the dispirited natives gave way before the shock, and were completely routed. The Imbezo regiment, commanded by Lobengola in person, alone stood firm. The enemy retreated to Bulawayo, but without giving them time to rally, the combined columns attacked and captured the King's kraal. j Captain Forbes', loss was only eight, but no less than 3000 Matabeles were left dead on the field. Major Adams' column came up just ifter the capture of the stronghold. It is expected that Bulawayo will be turned into a company's fort. Dr Jameson is remaining as administrator. The Cape Government demand that Mr Cecil Rhodes be permitted to settle the Matabele question, subject to the approval of the Imperial Government, and jmphatically protest against Lord Ripon interferoing in the meantime. Scouts state that Lobengula has fled into the North Mattoppo Hills, about L4O miles west of the position now held ay the Chartered Company's columns, and it is believed that his ultimate escape is impossible. News from Matabeleland states that on ;he 22nd October the company's forces jamped on the banks of the Gwalo river, ind next day the camp was removed to Shangaui river. The Matabeles were ilways retiring, but the same day a num}f King Lobengula's followers attempted to rash the detachment guarding the prisoners captured and sent to lumgonan's kraal, but were repulsed. The jompany's loss was one man killed, named Burnett. Many kraals were burnt, \nd nothing further was done till the battles on Friday and Saturday. On the 31st 5000 Matabeles made a final effort bo storm the company's laager. The natives swept the company's pickets backwards until they encountered the combined fire of the Maxim guns and repeating rifles. The enemy found it impossible to withstaad the fusilade, and the impi broke and fled to the bush, leaving behind 500 killed and wounded. The iction took place 35 miles from Bulawayo, and the broken ground seriously hampered the company's forces in following up the Matabeles. The company's loss ffas 1 killed and 7 wounded. The Matabeles were never at close quarters. Nov. 3. The Matabeles made three separate ittacks at daybreak, and each time they ivere repulsed. They retired in perfect Drder, though the slaughter was awful, rhen they faced about and charged again. 3nce they reached within 40 yards of the nuzzles of the Maxim guns. Bulawayo fvas found to be deserted, Two complete regiments accompany Lobengula in his flight. Nov. 4. During the advance of the company's forces Captain Forbes shelled Odandara/s kraal. The chief himself was killed au £ ane thousand of his followerf l e( j,' The Mashonas who were Supporting the coms men ae*: iy ca u ß ed confusion when the. Matabeles advanced. Barnet, who Mi his life iu the previous engagement, was shot by a prisoner, but the latter did notlong survive as he and another were promptly shot by Maurice Gifford. Forbes burned Lobengula's kraal at Bulawayo. It is believed that the impis detached to oppose Major Adams' advance have rejoined Lobengula. Captain Williams, who is missing, is a son of General Owen Williams. His horse was wounded and bolted into the bush. It is believed he has been taken prisoner. Lobeugula has returned to the vicinity of Bulawayo, and another battle is imminent.