NIGER EXPEDITION.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 94, 13 February 1897, Page 2

NIGER EXPEDITION.

SEVERE FIGHTING. London, February 10. ADVICES from the West Coast of Africa state that Arnold's column defeated the outposts of the Fulah natives at Bida. Many were killed, and a large number taken prisoners. The health of the expedition is good. Sir G. Taubman-Goldie, Governor of the Niger Company, assured Rabbas that the domination of the Fulahs is terminated. News has been received that the Niger expedition has captured Bida, the capital of Nupe, and the Emir's palace is occupied by the troops. Lieutenant Thomson, of the Leicester Regiment, was amongst those killed in the engagement. February 11. Later particulars show that the figbt at Bida was of. a desperate character, atd lasted from sunrise to dark. Tho enemy numbered 20,000, and occupied a ridge between Bida and the British force. Major Arnold's four companies, with four Maxim guns, advanced within two miles of the ridge. Their fire drove the main body of natives towards the capital, but the enemy's flanking parties crept round to the rear. Major A mold then formed a square, with a Maxim at each corner, but the natives, despite their terrific loss, charged repeatedly with great gallantry. However, they failed to break the square, although hordes of cavalry attacked it on all sides. Seven pounders were fired into the natives at a range of 1500 yards, with considerable effect. At three o'clock in the afternoon the enemy began to retreat, and the heavy guns then completed their defeat, and the capital was taken. Further reports from Nupe show that the Houssa soldiers, under British officers, behaved splendidly. They were under perfect control and discipline, and equal to the best white men. Six men were wounded.