THE WAR.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 523, 7 December 1899, Page 2

THE WAR.

* %r modder river RATTLEFIGHTING ALL DAY. [united press association], (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT). Capetown, December 5. Details of the battle of Modder River show that uninterrupted fighting proceeded from daybreak to dusk. It is estimated that 11,000 Boers, under General Cronje, were entrenched in a semicircle, eight miles in extent. A fierce artillery duel went on for five hours. When the firing lulled, believing the town had been evacuated, the Scots Guards advanced, but experienced so terrible a fire that they had to lie down. The Maxim which they had with them was disabled, and many men were killed. The Grenadiers, with the Coldstreams supporting on the right, and the Argyles, with the 9th Brigade on the left, in extended order, attempted during the afternoon to cross the plain towards the bridge. An awful hail of bullets was showered on them for two hours. No cover was available, and the troops were mown down by an enfilading fire from concealed sharpshooters on the northern bank and machine guns Near dusk the Argyles and the Guards forded the Modder River, losing heavily, but retained their position against a superior force. Night fell on an indecisive victory. The staff consider that the army never .faced a severer or more sustained fire. Colonel Codriugton, of the Coldstreams, with Captain V. C Sellheim, of the Queensland defence force, and a dozen Coldstream Guards swam nearly across the river in order to reconnoitre in the face of a heavy fire. They wero forced to retreat. Col. Codrington and Captain Sellheim joined hands and swam back, the former being nearly drowned. The two officers saved the lives of two soldiers as they went. The British guns did tremendous havoc compelling the abandonment of the extensive entrenchments.

During the night the Boers evacuated the town, taking their guns. All the British troops crossel in the morning. They were enabled previously to recover the wounded by the aid of a searchlight. The Boers fought steadily. They shelled the ambulance, but professed that they were unacquainted with the significance of the Red Cress. The Boers were hardly visible throughout the battle. Their rifle pits, protected with bulletproof breastworks, had occupied seven weeks in preparation. The fortifications, when the infantry reached within 800 yards of the Boers maintained a withering fire for three hours. The British only advanced by short rushe9, losing heavily whenever they rose from the ground. It was a wonderful exhibition of unflinching courage. Late in the afternoon the second battery arrived after a 33-mile march, and silenced several guns, the sheila terrifying the Boers, who retreated to Langeberg and Jacobsdal. Count Gleichen, of the Grenadier Guards, who was wounded at the battle of Modder River, had a bullet embedded in his neck. Notwithstanding his wound, Lord Methuen continues on duty. The Boers used Dum-Dum bullets at Modder River, and fired from under the shelter of a Red Cross flag. Two hundred Boers galloped off the battlefield in the afternoon, aad the Naval Brigade exploded shells amongst the fugitives. Harrowing scenes were witnessed the morning after the battle. Many Boers were buried on the spot, and the shell riddled buildings were filled with unattended wounded Boers. The groans were terrible. Three dead Highlanders were found in a trench, one grasping his rifle in his stiffened hands. The Free Staters' artillery became panic-stricken, and bolted amidst the Transvaalers' denunciations of cowardice. Prisoners report that Cronje whipped the Boers to prevent then' fleeing. Durbar, December 5. The Boers have evacuated Weenen. The piers of the Tugela River Bridee at Colenao remain intact. British prisoners at Pretoria are allowed to purchase Boer newspapers. The British victories have had a reassuring effect on the Basutos. MAFEKING. Capetown, December 5. Mafeking reports that many Boers are leaving, and on'.y a desultory bombardment is maintained. The Cape Times states that the siege of Mafeking has practically been raised. THE COLONIAL TROOPS. Capetown, December 5. The New Zealanders have arrived at Naauwpoort. The Australian contingents have amalgamated under the command of Colonel Hood, of Victoria. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES. Biubbane, December 5. The Agent-General has cabled that Captain Sellheim has, been specially honourably mentioned for heroism at Modder River. TRANSPORT WRECKED. Capetown, December 4. The British transport Ismore has gone ashore at St. Helena Bay, Cape Colony. The five hundred artillerymen and Hussars on board were landed. It is feared it will be difficult to save the horses. Most of the guns, arms, and ammunition have been saved, but only 20 horses were landed. The vessel has gone to pieces. ITEMS OF NEWS. Boers at Maritzani, in Bechuanaland, auctioned the houses, ploughs and cattle of the white settlers, giving the Transvaalers who bought them three months' credit. They are commandeering all the whites in Bechuanaland from 14 years upwards. General Clery is endeavouring to outflank the Boers via Weenen. A body of infantry, the 12th Lancers and the New South Wales Lancers, found the Boers swarming with a number of heavy guns at Rensberg kopje, near Arundel (between Naauwpoort and Colesberg). A reconnaissance failed to the enemy, and the British returned to Naauwpoort. General Gatacre has "re moved 1000 bags of wheat from Molland, fearing a Boer raid. It has been finally decided that MajorGeneral Thomas Kelly-Kenny is to command the Sixth Division proceeding to South Africa.