The Transvaal.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 189, 12 April 1902, Page 4

The Transvaal.

London, April 8. A returned Imperial Yeoman leclares that Dutchmen and chiefs 3onstituted the raounteds who deserted Lord Methuen. The minimum estimate sots down the Boer loss on March 81st as thirty killed and eighty wounded. The first is included in Lord Kitchener's weekly return to that date. Dr Leyds has recommenced his slanders De la Roy sent him a letter in January in which he specifies alleged British atrocities. April 9.

There are indications that Do la Rey’s letter contains interpolations repeating the lies which originated on the Continent. There are also statements inconsistent with his thanking Lord Methuen for his kindness to De la Roy’s wife and children.

The Standard says that the Klerksdorp reverse led to a revival at Brakspruit on the 31st March, and proved a most decisive check to De la Rey’s career.

General Walter Kitchener sent 1700 well mounted men under Colonel Cookson to reconnoitre in the direction of Hart. They were soon in touch with SUO Boers who were escorting a convoy. Their pursuit was soon relinquished on news coming in that 2000 Boers were ahead of the convoy. On returning Colonel Cookson halted at Brakspruit. A shell from a Boer gun on a ridge 4000 yards distant dropped into the camp, and masses of the enemy appeared on the flank, leading to a general engagement. Twenty-fouc of the Canadians and 45 mounteds were posted a mile and a half on Colonel Cookson’s right, five hundred yards beyond a belt of trees ; two companies of Artillery and Rifles held a farm-house on the left flank 1000 yards distant, while the remainder of the force stretched along to Brakspruit, covering a farmhouse; next to them being Captain Keir’s 28 mounteds, the 2nd Kitchener’s Fighting Scouts, the bulk of Colonel Cookson’s second Canadians and Damont’s force. De la Rey sought to rush a farm-house which was the key of the position, the heavier guns aiming at the camp and the pompoms concent trating on the spruit. Five hundred Boers occupied the ridge, riding in lines in extended order. They galloped to within five hundred yards of the farmhouse, but a volley caused them to -halt. The volleys were returned by a cross fire of volleys and shells from the camp. This caused the Boers to retreat to the ridge. Meanwhile 600 Boera under cover of the belt of trees, charged seventy of the British and demanded their surrender. Captain Carruthers shot the foremost at fifteen paces. Hia comrades, shelterless, lay down among the grass and fired steadily straight at the Boers, who fell back on the trees, some climbing and firing, others spreading in a lineThey were kept at bay fox two hours, then they rushed and captured fifteen of the survivors. Captain Curruthers alone not being seriously hurt. He declined to go to hospital. Some of the Boers wished to shoot him, but others declared he was too brave a man to die thus, .Several men were wounded twice, land others thrice. Gradually the I British had to surrender. The enemy at 4 o’clock were beaten off. The Boer causalities totalled 275. Viscount Granborne said no communication had been received from Germany or the German Consul respecting the death of Mr Heese. Canada is prepared to send four regiments of 1000 each to South Africa.

Lord Kitchener has authorised Piet De Wet to raise a hurghe? corps for service in the north ol Orange Colony. Mr Kruger informed a deputation of German Workmen that he was convinced that the Boers would retain their indepondance, though he was willing to cede the Rand. There was now more fighting on the Boers’ side than at the begirjp ; lD g of the war. b

Lord Methuen is programing we n t It is announced that i a [ o Bey, Mr Heese, the Gerr^ ail missionary, was a British subject. Mr Steya ig suffering from an affection Or the eyes which threatens bliqdsess.

Sydney, April 9. The Anti-Was League’s petition is receiving scant courtesy ip, the State. One municipal council to whom it was sent for signature passed a resolution authorising the Council’s clerk to apply a lucifer to the document, and to inform its promoters of its fate.