The Transvaal.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 143, 19 December 1901, Page 3

The Transvaal.

London, December 17. The mortality in the rcanips for October and Nov-mbe* : — 298 men, 751 women and 4204 children. The determination of 'h* Boers to fight to the last mau .is weakening. De Wet is not inclined to again take toe offensive. S,,me Oi De La Roy's commandants are engaged in estimating the damages done to fauns to re.ort at next meeting of Bo«r leaders. Kruger'n grandson, Eloff, has sailed from Amsterdam for Delagoa Bay to enquire into the situation. If he finds it desperate he will urge the Boers to seek terms. General Baden-Powell has sailed for South Africa.

The British newspapers urge the sending of more infantry and the extending of blockhoUßeß to make up for the lack of mounted men. They commend New Zealand's action in Bending another contingent and declare it a grave and scathing rebuke to antKpatriots and foreign Governments. Melbocrnb, December 17.

The Argus snys that the news that troops for South Africa are being raised amidst enthusiasm in Canada and New Zealand must occasion some searchings of heart in Australia ; and the broad fact presents itself that whilst all parts of the Empire j lined in the movement to send troops at the b-ginning of the war, Australia ia standing aloof at the face of the struggle. The paper asks >, la the Fe.ipra! Government right in saying that it ia not for Australia t<> volunteer assistant, oi are the New South Walea and QueeiiHland Premiers right and the Inderal Government wrong ? Mr Barton t.m ptper adds, ougl.t to make a full statement of the Australian situation to the Colonel Office an l aot on the reply, if oii-i of acceptance, and publish the reply if the answer is that aid is unnecessary and not wanted. Wellington, December 17. For the purpose of mobilising the Eigho Contingent, < fficers commanding itistriots are instructed to arrange th»t lelwcted men shall reach Wellington between January 3rd and 6th. Kecruits are to be fair rid<;rs, unmarried, and between 19 and 35 years of age Though returiKd troupers are to have the preference, none wbu have been invalided for interio or malaria within 12 months, or who are at present on sick leave are to be taken.

The Canterbury restrict is to furnish 200 for the iiigth Contingent, made up as follows :—Christchurch, 148 ; Culverden. RaDgiora, Sheffield, Fairlie and W&imate, six each; Ashburton and Timaru, 12 each. '

A large number of applications for enrolmeut-in tha Eighth Contingent have been received in Christchurch and DuuGdin.