The Transvaal.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume II, Issue 110, 17 February 1900, Page 3

The Transvaal.

: Capefow, Feb, 13. 1!b& British have mthdxavm from ingejlrefonteia to Bpnsbwg, owing to [eir sfteteTA flajsji bewg threatened l\v

the enemy. Feb. 14. The Boers sent General Methven 1400 refugees from "WindsoHon.

London, Feb. 18. General Buller has reported that it was impossible to entrench his forces on the rocky Vaal Krantz. He did not intend to advance by that route since it was irnpobaible to hold it securely, the Boer guns dominating the position. Lieutenant Grievo, of the Sydney Scottish Regiment, who was attached to tho Black Watch during the fight at Koodoosberg, repaired the breastwork of the redoubt under a heavy shelling from the enemy. A fragment of shell struck Grievo harmlessly, but one assistant was killed and anothei wounded. A number of refugees passed heaps of Boer dead at Koodoosberg, and it is estimated that the enemy's loss was 209.

, Feb. 14. The death rate of whites in Kimber ley is 60, and the natives 188 per thousand. The infantile death rate is appalling. Lord Lansdowne, in the House of Lords, and Mr Wyndham, in the House of Commons, explained the next military scheme which they declared was tentative, and designed to meet a great emergency by expedients, though ultimately it might possibly form an integral part of a permanent reo v gainsation. There were still available for home defence 109.000 Regulars, and 328,000 auxiliaries. It was proposed to increase the Regulars by 30,000, and the Government hoped, b\ means of encouragement, to induce the auxiliaries to attain to full establishment soon, bringing the number of trained men nearer 600,000 than 580,000, and this without having iccourse to a modified conscription or revival of the militia ballot. In addition to an increase in the strength of the various departments of the regular army, the volunteer artillery would be provided with modern guns and invited to train three months annually. The volunteers would be armed with the best weapons, and more rifle ranges provided, with increased capitation grant and other assistance. They would also be encouraged to supply a proportion of mounted infantry, 253 artillery officers aud 622 officers of the line would be required, and the balk or those covumis&ions would be ofiered to colonists and the militia and students of universities and public schools. i Sir Charles Dilke, with Mr A. Foster and several mehtary members, delivered critical speeches. The Times regards the scheme as disappointing, and displays lack of piinciple and imagination, and says a rare opportunity has not been properly utilised. Lord Salisbury has decided against the inclusion of the military ballot in the military programme. The new military scheme has provided for the formation of twelve permanent line battalions, besides three infantry battalions auiLoiUed List year. There would also be a special inducement offered fcj; thne-e\puod men to join for one year. Engineers and Army Service corps would be increased, and also the creation of 38 batteries of Field Aitillery. The Seven-horse Artillery of new guns would consist of fifteen poundeic of the most modern type aud some howitzer corps. It was intended to prepare immediately the permanent plant for two new Avxny Cory's, whi«h in time of peace would not be maintained at war strength, but 'would be utilised as training establishments. The pay of the militia was put on a par with the regulars. The force would bo embodied for three or four months instead of one, and provided with permanent transport. The Yeomanry would be invited to go under canvas for a month and their pay would be increased. They would be encouraged to supply a portion of the mounted infantry. Canada offers to release the first Leinster regiment, which is doing garrison duty at Halifax and replace it by local fiailitia. Britain has ordered a large number of Schwartz-Kopp torpedoes from Venice. Ten thousand recruits have offered themselves since Christmas. Two thousand troops sailed from England yesterday. In the attack on Ladysmith on Jan. 6th, the Imperial Light Horse were the heaviest sufferers. Colonelßdwards, Major Karri Davis and several other officers being among the wounded. Lord Ava, who was attached to the staff, was also mortally wounded, being shot through the head. Colonel Dick Cunninghata, of the Gordons, who has recovered from his Blandslaagte TOimd, T?as shot by & str#y bullet as be was standing o» a road bridge at the bottom s of Uhe town-, preparing^to *ake his m&n ioio action* -

The Times 1 correspondent at Capetown rcconamends Britain to despatch j another 75,000 men. The Pretoria mint is coming British gold and silver coin, there being a difficulty in passing Krugcr's coins. Tho Times says the distinction the Australians won at Rpnsburg is proof of the value of colonial troops. Tho paper especially instances the pluck and rcnlmess shown by Captain Haddocks, of tho New Zealand Contingoat at Silvei 'on. In the House of Commons Mr Wyndham deprecated fussing over the terms of the colonial otteis. It was inadvisable to discuss the rates of pay of troops in different parts of tho empire. Colonial troops had a right to clanri in future, a, share .of the work of the British Army, ' Newspapers regret that their fruitlessness has murdered General French's success in the Colesburg district. The enemy has placed heavy guns on Coleskop, in the vicinity of Cclesburg. A tableau produced by the aristocracy society of amateurs at Beei-bohm-Tree's Theatre, London, realised .-66500 for the Household Brigade's Widows and Orphans Fund. Mr Lambie, the war correspondent who was ohot in tho head, died in a quarter of an hour, %nd was buried on the fiold. Delakey expressed regret at the death of a non combatant. Maf eking reports that it has a food supply sufficient to last till June. The Bo?rs outnumber iho British at I Colesburg five to one. They have mounted a forty pounder on Bastard's Nek, commanding the country for a j distance of 90C0 yaids, and compelling all General Clement's outpost to retire j to Kensburg. A detatchment of Victorian Mounted Rifles for some tune gallantly defended ! a position at Mauler's Farm, inflicting heavy loss on the Boers. The Westrrhant,, with a despatchment of Wilt- ; shire and Berkshire regiments weie also hotly engaged with a howitzer, which silenced one of the enemy 'b Cruozot guns. The transfer of G-neral French's c ava!ry to Modder Elver encouraged the Boers to attack. Major Keay, the correspondent of the Melbourne Herald, Captain Caroeion and a 'Westralian coriedpondont, with the assistance of a white i flag, MSited the Boer camp blindfoldpd They wer-3 subsequently shown Mr Lambies grave by General Lel-aey, and received his wife's portrait and other effects. Tne visitors were incidentally told that the Boer combatants numbered 120,000. Hales marely- fell oil his horse and is hkoly to be released. There are 438 Boer prisoners at Capetown. It is behoved that Lord Pioberts commands the Army Corps Cavalry Djvision gt Modder River. M.ipr General Sir H. Colvillo commands the 9ch j Diwsion, formed at MocVler River, and Colonel Tole-Gaicw commands the ' Guards Biigade. Tho Australian forces at the front are being hard worked, but the hot lighting is thoroughly appreciated. The Second Victorian Contingent, winch arrived by the Euralyus, was enthusiastically welcomed at Capetown, and has staited for the front.

Melbourne, Feb. 14. The disaster to Lieutenant Dowhng's foice or Ntuv South Walejb Lancers is believed to be due to some neglect in taking special precautions when patrolhag the tsneiny'o country near Sliiigersfoutein. When the Boers, who were in strong foice, ma, Jo then appearance, the Austuliins attempting to take refuge on neighbouring hills, but found these also occupied by ihe enemy, so they tried to effect a retirement m skiruiKhing Older. By all accounts they made a gallant but ineffectual stand, and it is certain they did everything they could. The enemy fired volley after volley. Of 22 men only sis reached camp. Details of the mishap to the Now South .Wales Lancers patrol are meagre. Lieut. Dowling's force vvas divided in two. One party went towards Slmgersfontein, which is eight miles east of Oole"3burg (and forms an open wedge), and pushed into country which was known to be occupied by the enemy. Consequently it was doubly necessary to be specially on the alert when patrolling the neighbourhood, and there is only too much reason to believe the disaster is due to some neglect in this respect. All went well for a time, one of the parties — the smaller one — penetrating as far as Vorster's farm, Beven miles from the camp. The inhabitant there spoke tho Dutch language only, and asBurned an unfriendly attitude/ The men were returning, when suddenly a party of Boers, estimated at 50 or 60, were observed creeping towards the kopjes a mile or two from the t farm, 3&o patrol thereupon retire^ acd joa-

mediately after Lieut. Dowling and party appeared on the scene. Some Boei'S at once opened fire, whilst others took up a position with the object of intercepting a retreat. The Austra liaus made an attempt to reach a certain hill, whoxe ft was proposed to take refuge, but thet found this also occupied by ihe enemy, so they af tGiapted to effect a letu-ement in slai . lmshing oitler. All accounts stat< that thpy mado a gallant but ineffncfcufi stand, and it is certain they did ever\ tiling they could. The enemy fire< volley after volley. Ot 22 men, k\ reached camp. Lieutenant Dowlin< took Trooper Bucholz up behind him the latter's horse having been killec 1 T]ien Lieutenant Bowling's horse wa • shot in tha lace. Trooper Bucholz was stunned and overlooked by the Boers. The 6lh of January saw the first important break in the monotony of the siege of Lad\ smith. During the night a party of about 4500 Boors made an attack on a picket at Csssar's Gamp, a hill just over t^e river at the bottom of the town. Our men were driven back by supeiior numbers contesting every inch of ground. The Boer front extended from Waggon Hill around the flats on the near side of Caesar's Camp. Their advance was supported by their big guns on Urnbulwana. Fortunate^ a squadron of the Imperial Light Horse was handy I and relieved a picket by a dashing charge. Our naval gun and fti'tillery shelled the cnemv beautifuPy all along the ndge of Ccaaar's Camp, and drove them back slowly but surely to where the Gordons were lying hx wait. The Highlander got among them with their bayonets, doing some splendid execution. The Maxim and Norden- j felt guns speedily added to the terrific din of our artillery, which had beon bi ought into action at a distance of about f>oo yards from tlio town. Our tioops had a veiy hot time from Urnbulwana guns, although fortunately the casualties were extremely few. Gxadually the Boers were driven into somewhat limited space at the end of Cesar's Camp Hill, and the fighting got hotter than ever, our artillery being advanced as the eueuiy retired, doing good work. Contrary to expectation the enemy contested tho ground with the utmost determination, and courage not usually associated with the Boev nature, but despite their most stubborn efforts they had to give ground, although they made a capital fight, Towards mid clay tho firing slackened all along the line and for a time things were quieter. Our men were so manoeuvred that early in the afternoon the Boers were driven into a piece of donga-torn country whence they could not retire without exposing themselves trcmendouslv. The Gordons, Manchester, and Eifle Brigade, which by this time had come into action, were waiting at a distance of about 80 yards to x'eceive.the enemy with shot or bayonet as circumstances might dictate, whilo Dragoons and Hussars thrown into the field among the thorn country, were ready to swoop down should attempt at retreat be made. "While the Boers were in this predicament the most terrific rain and hailstorm we have had this season broke over the scene of strife, and the position in Bougla3 must Have been anything but enviable. To add to the Boers discomfort one of our batteries of artillery had been moved into position commanding the dongas and shell after shell was dropped with admirable precision right among them. In addition, the rain was so heavy that the actual and moral support of the Umbulwana guns could no longsr be given them, and tho plight became truly pitiable. Having in ibJs way cornered the enemy, our men came potting away as fast as opportunity offered, artillery pounding them with shells at a pace to marvel at. About | 5 o'clock the rain descended so fast that very little fighting was possible, although a scattered irregular rifle fire was kept up all through the night. At d quarter to 6 o'clock the rain cleared, and the fight renewed with great vigor all through the evening, until darkness ronderod fighting a matter of random and chance. However, the fighting continued, and our men were still awaiting the issue of the enemy from an unhappy position. Unfortunately our casualties were heavy, although we had comparatively few killed.

Feb. 15. On the 10th of January, General Buller's column commenced to advance with General Dundonald in charge. He reconnoitered at Springfield, finding it unoccupied, and pushed on to the Tugela and occupied a position conauianding the river. The move was a daring one, the ground on the same day being infested with the enemy, General Dundonald's small force, how' ever.*' held the position for two days, pending the arrival of General LyfcteJfcon's Brigades, the enemy's sniping barties keeping up anineffective &ej

General Lyttelfcon's force waded the river and occupied the kopjes on the northei-n bank, the Howitzer batteries shelling the enemy, the naval guns on the south bank following suit. The enemy did not reply. Six miles higher up General 'Warren's force got across, but only a handful of Boers were seen. These sent a volley at the Engineers, \.ho v/eie erecting a pontoon, but they were quickly dispersed, The advance was couductod in a masterly manner. The Kngineeis erected bridges and i j legraphs, and it was an inspuing •ight to see the troops moving across ha liver. - General Waraen started in the early lorning to secure Trichaidt's Drift. here was a good deal of filing, but progress was slow. Gradually British pluck told its tdle and the enemy fell back on another kopje. Then the attack recommenced gallantly. Whenhver the enemy was observed taking up a fresh position the field batteries poured in showers of shrapnel, and rapid movements of the guns were followed by accuiate shooting, which must have distressed the enemy throughout the day. The Boer defence was almost entirely with rifles. Shells from their pieces of heavy ordnance fell haimlcesly. Our casualties were 879, there being but few killed, and tho great preponderance being but slight wounds. The Boer loss is nnknown, but must have been very high, as their killed and wounded were seen as they were carried away. A gieat battle was proceeding along the lange to the rear of Tabainyana Hill. At 3 a.m. one biigado left its bivouac io the north of Trichardt's Drift and marched to Three Tree Hill, a kopje half way up a high range alongside the road Leading past the north side of Tab.iiny.ina, meeting the Potgieter road to Ladysmith. Later one other brigade moved on, and in conjunction [Svith a half brigade attacked the Boer lines with battenes of fiold artillery. Meantime a tremendous bombardment was proceeding in tho centre and ou the right and leit. E\ery inch was stubbornly foaght. Our troop gallantly captured a bastion and several othei ridges, which weie still held when darkness fell. Thit> loft our forces in possession of a commanding kopje, and they took shelter behind the boulders. We fought the enemy with their own tactics. There is a good supply of water amongst the hills, which pioves a great luxury. Mr Simon Fraser, M.L.C., denoted £1000 to the Bushmen's Fund.

Durban, Feb. 14. The Boer force, which recently raided Ngutu, Zululand, has nine guns. Feneral Buller's casualties from the 6th to 7th inst., totalled 24 killed, 335 wounded and five missing, chiefly belonging to the First Battalion of the Durban - Light Infantry and Eflo Brigade.