THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA

Waipawa Mail, Volume I, Issue 5, 28 September 1878, Page 2

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA

Tlie following telegram lias been received by his Excellency the Governor from the Recorder at Kimberley :—“ Colonel Warren had arrived on the 14th at Kuruman, having ascertained that the emeny had left Daniel's Kuil, Pass Kuil. Kliosie, and Konmg on the 16th’. Our force, 300 strong, started for Gomperi, as it was ascertained that the ibis ill os had been mixed.up with the Burnese murder and attack on Campbeli. The emeny got notice of our approach, and were seen taking up positions against us. Action commenced with guns, and after six shots had been fired advanced in skirmishing order. - After a short stand on the hill, south-east of the town, where they liadj made stone breastworks, they were outflanked by our mounted men, and immediately began to retire j upon hills, where they kept up a < heavy fire. Our mounted men, led by Colonel AVarren, at once gallantly charged after them, through a swamp on to the hills, where they dismounted and engaged on foot in skirmishing order. Our foot and Zulus followed up on the left of the line. After an hour’s hard fighting the enemy was driven back on all sides with loss of over fifty. Our casualties w r ere—six Europeans w r ounded, two dangerously; one European (Arnold, of the Diamond-fields Horse), dead; four slightly wounded, doing well ; two Zulus killed; twenty waggons, GOO cattle, and 2000 sheep captured. In oue waggon was found some of Burness’s property. Tihi Macomo, the Kaffir chief, has been tried before a jury at King AVilliam’s Town, and has been sentenced to death. The disbandment of volunteers at the front is being rapidly proceeded with. There is again sad news from Griqualand AVest. Kaal Kaffirs, under Gasibone’s sons, attacked Francis Thompson’s place, carrying away Mr Thompson and wounding his son. who is not expected to live. Mr Thompson’s body was afterwards found dreadfully mutilated.