TROUBLE IN INDIA.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 213, 23 November 1897, Page 3

TROUBLE IN INDIA.

Calcutta, November IS. A COLUMN under Brigarlier-GeneraT Keuipter, when crossing the Kheri Kanda Pass, was attacked by a large force of Indian tribesmen, chiefly consisting of Zakha Khels and Akha Khels. The Sikhs held the heights •whilst the Goorkhas sought refuge from the fire of the enemy. A body of Afridis from Saransar attacked tho 15th Sikh Regiment, and a hand-to-baud conflict took place, great gallantry being displayed. One desperate bayonet charge was made by the Sikhs, the result of which was that 60 tribesmen were killed. The 15th Sikhs received support from the 36th Sikh Eeginient, and together the two regiments retired down the Pass fighting bravely in the darkness. It was found that the enemy were holding the pass and blocked tho path, but the Sikhs with a ringing cheer drove tho tribesmen out at the point of the bayonet. After the fighting a detachment of the Dorsetshire Regiment became separated from the main body, and lost their way. The enemy ivere still watching the movements of the British troops, and overwhelmed the detachment, killing 13. The fighting lasted many hours. Captain Nicholas Lewarne, wing officer of the 15th Bengal Infantry; Lieutenant S. M. A. Hales, of the Bedfordshire Regiment; Lieutenant Crooke, of the Suffolk Regiment; G. M. Wylie, of the Second Ghoorkbas; and 25 men were killed. Many were wounded. The enemy sustained heavy loss.

Said Akbar's letters, seized by the British, include documents which implicate a number of Afghan officials in connection with the frontier tribesmen's revolt. November 1!>. Sir Wm. Lockhart has commended the Northamptonshire and Dorsetshire Regiments for bravery. The enemy they had to face were the best Bkirmishers and rifle shots in the world. Sir William directed the men to maintain careful touch with the main body of troops, but if by any means they became separated to avoid the ravines and broken ground. He hoped soon to extinguish the old scores against the rebels. He also spoke in terms of praise of the Sikhs and Ghoorkas, stating that he was proud to have such men under his command. He added that the Queen was watching the course of events with great interest. Brigadier-General W. R. Symoni, in command of the first division of General Lockhart's column, has occupied Thirikanda Pass after strong resistance from the tribesmen. The British loss was five killed and 22 wounded. London, November 19. Lord Spencer, the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, has suggested the erection of a memorial to the members of the Northamptonshire Regiment, who died fighting so gallantly.