THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 48, 30 November 1899, Page 20

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

The following are the principal itemß of war news received during 1 the week :—: — ■ Mafeking was reported to be safe on the 20th met, bat in conseqiience of the lack of pure water fever was prevalent. The health of the besieged was being affected in consequence of having to live under ground. The Boer entrenchment lines are being drawn closer around the town, and an incessant fire is maintained by the enemy. A vigorous bombardment of Kimberley has been kept up for some days. General Methuen, who commands the Kimberley relief column consisting of a force of 10,000 men, on Thursday attacked the Boers in a strongly-entrenched position at Belmont, defended by five guns. A breach was made, and the British stormed three ridges in succession. The Boers fought with great courage and skill, but the British victory was complete. Forty Boer prisoners were taken, and the enemy's loss was heavy. A large quantity of stores and ammunition was destroyed, and many horses and oows captured Three British officers were killed and 22 wounded. Fifty-eight privates were killed and 130 wounded. Eighteen men are missing. Later despatches state that from 6000 to 8000 Boers were engaged at Belmont. The fighting commenced in the semi-darkness. The Boers occupied a very strong position and fought from behind boulders. In making the attack the British had to climb rocky ridges in the face of the enemy's heavy fire. The Boers made a very determined stand and fought until the last. The position, whioh was about 10 miles east of Belmont, and commanded the road to Kimberley, was a very strong one and considered almost impregnable, especially the last ridge, which necessitated a steep climb of 500 feet. A Capetown message, under date November 27, reports that the Boers at Draspan, a little to the north of Belmont, attacked General Methuen, who replied with shrapnel. The Naval Brigade, Yorkshires, and North Lancashires carried the heights after four hours' furious fighting. The enemy early in the fight attacked the rear guard and baggage train, but the Grenadier Guards met this, aud also protected the flanks. It is known that 51 Boers were killed and 48 wounded. Many prisoners were taken. Four hundred Cape Dutch, including the magistrate, at Barkly East, have joined the Boers. They have seized and ocoupied the town of Lady Grey, near Aliwal North. It is estimated that there are 9500 British troops in Ladysmith and 14,000 divided between the towns of Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Estcourt. Lack of cavalry is delaying Major-general Clery's advance to the relief of Ladysmith. Major-general Hildyard, in charge of the Ladysmith relief column, surprised the Boers at Willow Grange, South of Estcourt. The British charged the enemy and bayoneted 80 of them. The British loss was three killed and 44 wounded. Ten thousand British troops are said to be marching northward from Estcourt. The New Zealand Contingent arrived at Capetown last week, and the New South Wales and other Australian troopa arrived there in the beginning of this week.