THE BOER WAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 359, 8 March 1902, Page 2

THE BOER WAR.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, March 6. At midnight on February 23 tho Boers rushed with a great mass of stock the position heid by the New Zealanders, overwhelming the pickets. The New Zealanders made a splendid defence, but being caught in the flank, and unable to use their full strength, they were compelled to shift to avoid the furious fire. Other pickets of New Zealanders warned Captain Cox's New South Wales troops, who altered their formation. The Boers

in the van pushed north with their wounded. The fight (lasted an hour and a half. Tiie colonials used seventeen boxes of ammunition. Seventy dead horses were found in front of Captain Cox’s composition. Field-Cornet Jau Bester and twelve others were captured in Orange Colony. Tiie Standard states that Steyn and DeWet are conferring with Botha in Utrecht district. Since tho beginning of tho war the British losses have been -IS9 officers and 4956 men killed, 1752 officers and 20,096 men wounded, 304 officers and 13,030 men died of disease. The deaths from all causes totalled nearly 21,000.

A War Office correction states that Lytton Ditely, a New Zealander, was dangerously wounded, not killed. DeWet escaped in the confusion when tho oxen rushed the New Zealanders’ line at Bothasoerg. Lord Kitchener’s lino of British troops during the drive extended one hundred and twenty miles over terribly hilly and broken country. The transport of guns was tremendously difficult, especially on the border. Lieutenant-General Sir C. E. Knox succeeds General Tucker in command of Bloemfontein district. Washington, Mar. 6. President Roosevelt receives Wessols and Wolmarans, tho Boer delegates, cs private citizens. He declared that America could not and would not interfere in the war. HARD TASK FOR BRITISH. MEN ABOVE CLOUDS, FOODLESS FOR THREE DAYS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, March 7. During the late sweep towards Natal British guns had to be lowered over precipices, One column crossing the mountains was above the clouds, and without food for three days. The capture of Commandant Pruther with five hundred men is regarded as most important, as he is a great leader.

(By Telograph—Press Association.) Wellington, last night. The Government are advised that Sergeant W. Sheather, of the Sixth Contingent, Auckland, is dangerously ill of enteric at Wakkerstroom.