AGAINST THE ALFRIDIS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9058, 18 February 1908, Page 5

AGAINST THE ALFRIDIS.

BRITISH TROOPS PROCEED UNMOLESTED.

TRIBESMEN PREPARING FOR A STAND.

Received February 17, 9 a. m. CALCUTTA, February 16, General Willcocks' expedition has entered the Bazar Valley. The troons were not molested. Spies state that the Zakha Khels are busily constructing sangars higher up the valley.

TRIBESMEN SURPRISED

STRONGEST POSITION SEIZED BY BRITISH.

Received February 17, 9.40 p.m CALCUTTA, February 17.

•General Willcocke. with the second brigade, reached Walai. the Zakka Khels' chief village, on Saturday everine, surprising thfi tribesmen, who did not expect the troops to arrive until Sunday.

The tribesmen were thus prevented from garrisoning the strongest position on the lull above Walai, which ■the Seaforth Highlanders seized without loss.

Snipers hilled one Highlander, and wounded a gunner, during the march through the mountain passes. The fir?t brigade, under General Anderson, captured the Chora fort, and the village on Saturday night. Pressmen are now permitted to join the expedition. General Willcocks' operations have practically closed the eastern part of Bazar Valley, cutting off the Zakka Khels communication with the adjacent tribes. The simultaneous movement of the two brigades has disconcerted the tribesmen. The effect will be increased if the Lanii Khotal column joins hands from the north.