Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

THE FLIGHT OF THE BOERS. POSITIONS AT THABANCHU EVACUATED. Thabanchu, Thursday. The enemy are believed to have evaluated their positions during the night. They are trekking northwards in three different directions.

MAFEKING RELIEF PROBLEM. KIMBERLEY, Wednesday. Sir Alfred Milner writes to the Mayor of Kim- berley assuring him that the relief of Mafeking has not ceased to occupy the attention of his Excellency and of the military authorities, and that nothing has been left undone to secure the raising of the siege at the earliest possible moment. It is absolutely certain, says a Capetown tele- gram that General Hunter who is now atKimbsr- ley with the 10th Division, will undertake the relief of Mafeking, and start as soon as the column has been properly organised.

THE BRITISH ADVANCE. LORD ROBERTS'S REPORT. The following despatch was issued on Thursday by the War Office From Lord Roberts to Secretary of State for War. BLOEMFONTEIN, May 2. General Ian Hamilton met with considerable success yesterday and drove the enemy out of the strong position they had taken up at Houtnek, with comparatively small loss to us. The Boers dispersed in several directions, mainly east and north, leaving 26 prisoners in our hands, including one Commandant, and 16 other wounded men. Hamilton is now encamped at Jacobsrust. As his men needed rest, after having been fighting for seven out of the last ten days, I ordered a halt for to-day. Broadwood's Brigade of Cavalry arrived on the scene in time to afford valuable assistance by threatening the enemy's rear, and during the after- noon Ian Hamilton was joined by Bruce Hamilton's Brigade of Infantry. The enemy admit to having 12 killed and 40 wounded yesterday. Amongst the former is Lieutenant Gunther, a German officer, belonging to the 55th Regiment. Amongst the latter, Maximoff, the Russian Commander of the Foreign Legion. Twenty-one out of 53 of the enemy's casualties occurred amongst the members of that Legion. Two Frenchmen were amongst the killed. Hamilton speaks in high terms of the good ser- vice performed by the 8th Hussars, under Colonel Clowes, and a made-up regiment of Lancers which came into Broadwood's Brigade and assisted in making the Boers evacuate their position. The final stroke to the enemy's rout was given by the Gordons and two companies of the Shrop- shire Light Infantry, cheering loudly when they got within 200 yards of the position. Kitchener's Horse is also spoken of in terms of praise.

THE BRITISH ADVANCE. THE VET RIVER CROSSED. CAPE TOWN, Monday. The Column operating from Bloemfontein reached the Vet River on Saturday. Lord Roberts reported from there on that evening that he had marched from Brandford with the Eleventh and Seventh Divisions, and General Hutton's Brigade of Mounted Infantry. The enemy were found in considerable strength on the opposite side of the river, and it was not possible to force the passage even after a three hours' cannonade. Before dusk, however, the Mounted Infantry turned the Boer right, and pushed across under a heavy fire. The whole force then bivouaoked for the night within three miles of the river. 'i In the meantime General. Ian Hamilton, on the right, succeeded on Friday in preventing the junction of two Boer forces. In the course of the operations an effective charge, resulting in the flight of the Boers, was executed by the Household Cavalry, the 12th Lancers, and Kitchener's Horse. The Highland Brigade also drove off the enemy on the right flank, under cover of the naval guns. On Saturday morning General Hamilton was advancing to a difficult drift over the Kleine Vet River, and he is since reported to have occupied Winburg. On the western border General Hunter's command has had an engagement with the enemy two miles to the north of Ruidam-a place, presumably, some distance above Windsorton. The Boers occupied a position four miles long, and held it in great strength. The troops, composed of General Barton's Fusilier Brigade, General Paget's Brigade, and Imperial Yeomanry, to use General Hunter's own words, marched magnificently and carried ridge after ridge in grand style." It is reported that Lord Roberts does not anticipate any serious opposition south of the Vaal River. The Free Staters are tired of the war and alarmed for their property, and the Transvaalers recognise the impossibility of coritinuing the struggle in the southern Republic.

THE FREE STATE. OUR TROOPS ADVANCING EVERY- WHERE. CAPTURE OF WIN BURG. Lord Roberts, in a message despatched from Smaldeel on Sunday afternoon, and issued by the War Office on Monday, says the British forces, which crossed the Vet River on Sunday morning, were encamped at Smaldeel Junction. The enemy were in full retreat towards the Zand River and Kroonstad. The turning movement made by the Mounted Infantry just before dark on Saturday, was a very dashing affair, the Colonial troops vying with each other in their determination to close with the enemy, and Captain Anley, Essex Regi- ment, behaving in a very gallant manner. The Naval guns and Artillery made excellent practice. A Maxim gun and 25 prisoners were captured. A great quantity of railway material and also forage and corn was found. On Monday evening the War Office issued another telegram from the Commander in Chief, in which it was stated that General Hunter after defeating the enemy on Friday, joined hands with General Paget, near Warrenton. The Boers left their killed and wounded on the ground, and our forces captured several prisoners. The British losses were slight. Lord Roberts adds that Sir Archibald Hunter speaks in high terms of the gal- lantry of the Yeomanry under Colonel Meyrick. The enemy have retired from in front of Thaba 'Nchu, and the exceedingly strong position they held is now occupied by Sir Leslie Randle's Division, General Ian Hamilton entered Winburg on Sunday, after a brisk fight, in which the Boers fell back so quickly that one of their guns in addition to a Maxim, was abandoned.

RECONNAISSANCES TO THE ZAND RIVER. BOERS IN CONSIDERABLE FORCE. The following message from Lord Roberts was issued by the War Office on Tuesday:- SMALDEEL, Monday, 12-35 p.m. Winburg is occupied by the Highland Brigade. The railway between Brandford and Smaldeel has been considerably damaged, and the bridge over the Vet River hopelessly so. This delays our supplies coming up. Every few hundred yards charges of rackarock were laid under the rails. This might have created loss of life, but they were fortunately discovered by a West Australian mounted infantry man. [Rackarock is an explosive substance used in mining, &c., consisting of potassium chlorate and nitrobenzol. ] The following despatch from Lord Roberts was issued by the War Office at eleven o'clock on Tues- day night:— SMALDEEL, Tuesday, 10-20 a.m. Hutton, with Mounted Infantry, reconnoitred yesterday to the Zaud river, and found the enemy to be in considerable force. Broadwood's Brigade of Cavalry, with Ian Hamilton's force, performed the same operation, with much the same result. SMALDEEL, Sunday Evening. The feature of the last few days has been the success of the Mounted Infantry. General Hamilton's achievement, by which the German Brigade has been practically put out of action for the rest of the war, was a success for Mounted Infantry and Cavalry combined, but in less important circumstances General Hutton's Mounted Infantry has done remarkably well, and among this Brigade the Colonial regiments have been notable. General Hutton's Brigade was engaged on our left at the Vet river yesterday. The Canadians attacked and captured a Boer Maxim. Several Boers were afterwards found dead round the gun. The Queenslanders, by galloping across a drift of the Vet, enfiladed the retreating Boers. It was a quick and bold movement under heavy fire. The Boers galloped this way and that when retreating, scarcely knowing how to escape the cross fire. It is not expected that the Boers will make a serious stand this side of Kroonstad. The residents here say that the Boers retreated hastily, saying that the British were too much for them. The large bridge over the Vet has been blown up skilfully, and much other damage has been done to culverts. The repair of these things will cause some delay. To-day's was the shortest trek made since we left Karree Siding. There was much delay at the drift across the Vet. All the cattle within range are being driven in as we advance, and the crops removed from the farms. SMALDEEL, Monday Afternoon. We are now awaiting the arrival of the cavalry at this place. A deviation track has been found at the Vet river. The result of this discovery is that the line will be restored more quickly than had been expected. Things are progressing splendidly along the whole line. The hilly districts to the north of Tbaba 'Nchu caused most anxiety, but the uneasiness has now been entirely removed. Several explosions have been heard to-day. No doubt the Boers have destroy ed more of the cul verts on the railway as they retreated northwards.

LOCAL CASUALTIES. Amongst the casualties winch occurred at Thaba 'Nchu on the 29th and 30th ult were: -lst Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 3,094, Sergeant Field, wounded severely. 2nd Shropshire Light Infantry 5,799 Private J Smith, killed; 1,356 Sergt F Hoskins, severely; 3,670 Bandsman T F Brown, slightly; 3,654 Private A G Moore, slightly severely, Colour Sergeant 1,630 W Herbert, Sergt 1,249 R Talbot, Privates 2,397 A Marris, 5,756 B Field, 5,636 T Eldridge, 5,618 H Fryer, 5,766 (?5,758) A Winter- bottom, and 3088 A Rudge slightly, 5,762 E Burns, 5,632 J Gedwell, 2,738 J Coll and Bugler 3,778 A Brewer. 1st Battalion Welsh Regiment: 4,839 Private W J Newby, wounded; 5,463 Private T C Ridgell, missing since April 25. 3rd Battalion South Wales Borderers 1,036 Private T Brewer, | died of dysentery at Kimberley May 1.

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT. The following letter has been received from Cpl Evan Lewis Jones, 5th V.B. S.W.B. :-Cape Town, April 1, 1900. I suppose you had a gland day on March 1st when you heard the news of the relief of Ladysmith. They had a grand day at Cape Town; all the ships in the harbour were lighted, but we were on thel wide, wide sea, innocent of all the news. Lieut Kirkby told us on parade last Thursday that he had a letter from the Cape saying that we are to proceed to our regiment in a few days, probably this week. The S.W.B. are at Bloem- fontein at present. They fare starting from there next Thursday on their way to Pretoria. It will take us three or four days to go to Bloemfontein from here. We won't be back for some time yet, but I hope we shall be back for cathp. We were measured last week by the Lieutenant for a new suit—scarlet coat, dark trousers, helmets, and pair of boots for the march past at Pretoria. Our Captain went down to the Cape last week and returned so he'll have some news to tell us. Lieut Kirkby took command. We had outpost duty last Thursday, and a route march of eight miles. The Lieutenant is very popular with the men. We have been very busy these last days making the initials Vol Co S.W.B. with stones as a trade mark. I have to take charge of the Blood River to-night at six till six in the morning. I have to do guard twice a week and orderly corporal every other, so you see we are not idle. We had a day off yester- day to do our washing which I'm able to do all right though I am rather clumsy with the needle. They are very strict with the orders here. If a man is a few minutes late for parade he is reported. We have a game of football every night-officers and men. Lieut Kirkby takes a lot of interest in it. The weather has been very warm last week, but to-day it is very dull. We had a service to- day under the Blood River Bridge in the shade. We have also a sacred concert to-night. Another letter dated April 8th Thank you very much for the post cards. Winstone has left his whiskers grow and looks a different man, but other- wise there is not much difference in us since we left England, only that we are a bit tawny, but we will stick to our duty till the end, if needed. We only guard the line of communication so far, but we expect to leave this dismal place to join our regiment. I could do with some writing paper, as I am unable to buy any. The stock is nearly all gone a sheet of paper and envelope is 3d. (Hid ydym yn meddwl y cawn ards yma,:felly down yn ol os bydd pob peth yn caniattau.) 1 daresay you've seen an account of the mail boat Mexican being foundered, and that some of the mail bags were lost; but I hope you will receive these, The weather is hot. I am unable to bear a shirt on, so we drill in a singlet with our coats off, but the nights are very dark, with lightning and thunder. The Company had their photos taken last week. We started battalion drill last week. We had a football match last night. Victory in favour of 5th by 4 goals to nil. Howells, of Builtb, acted as referee. You can guess how we enjoy ourselves. I suppose that by the time you receive this you will have enjoyed your Easter Monday and fairings."

THE "DANDY FIFTH" IN SOUTH AFRICA. LETTER FROM SERGEANT ASTLEY. Sergeant J T Astley, late of Llanfair, and now with the Service Section of the 5th V.B., S.W.B., at the fiont, has written, under date of April 10th, the following narrative of the experiences of himself and his comrades since arriving at Cape Town on March 9th. He says:—" We had a very pleasant voyage and on landing encamped on Green Point, close to the Boer prisoners and to five guns captured by our troops. Whilst we were here our rations were rather rough. On Sunday, the 11th March, we received orders to hold ourselves in readiness and by 10 o'clock on Monday night we were entrained for the front, as we thought. But we were stopped at a place called Ketting Siding, where we relieved a Colonial force called the Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteers. Our in- structions were to stand guard over three very large bridges, viz., the Blood River Bridge, and two bridges at Duyka—about nine miles further up. Ketting is about 250 miles from Capetown and is a very quiet spot, although there are several Dutch farmers living around who are supposed to be loyal. For my own part, however, I. would not let them have too much of their own way. They call us "the big soldiers" and the regulars "the little soldiers." They are more afraid of the Volunteers. As the trains run very irregularly we have some- times had occasion to live for several days on bully beef and biscuits. But now we get goats flesh and beef nearly every other day. Bill James, from Welshpool, is head cook—and a splendid cook he is, too. The day's work commences every morning at six o'clock when we are supplied with coffee. Then follows parade from 6 30 to 7 30, breakfast at 7 45, parade from 10 to 11, dinner at 12 45; parade again from 3 30 to 4 30; tea at 4 45; first post at 8 30; last post at 9; and lights out" at 9 15. There are 15 men in each tent — packed like sardines. What would our Volunteers think of that ? I think there would be a lot of grumbling but we've got to "stick it" for a short time. The heat in the day-time is intense, while it is extremely cold at night. We see Boer prisoners pass by every day. They are a dirty-looking lot-some of them young lads in knickers, others old men from 60 to 70 years of age. Our men are very anxious to go to the fighting^line and we are now under orders to proceed. On Saturday last, April 7th, there was a football match between tin: Fifth Section and the remainder of the Company, the first-named team winning by four goals to nil. The following played for the Fifth Section :Gual, Pte Horton (Newtown) backs, Pte Griffiths (Newtown) and Lieut Kirkby (Towyn); half-backs, myself and Private Jones and Bugler Clayt'jn (Newtown) forwards, Privates Baines, and Mills, (Welshpool), Privates Rees, Latham and Morris, (Newtown). The goals were scored by Privates Latham and Morris-two apiece. Corporal Howells (Builth) acted as Referee. In the evening of the same day a smoking concert was held when the following from our section took part :-Lieut Kirkby, Privates Mills, Baines, Arthur, Horton and myself. Several of our men have been appointed to some position or other. Private Harris (Machyn- lleth) has been posted to the stretcher bearers Private R Morris is appointed postman; Private Latham,officer's servant; while our bugler is a regu- lar favourite with us all. We have had a very rough time of it tO-day—one hour's drill at 6-30 a.m. then a four hours' route march over the desert, and to wind up with another hour's drill in the evening, I think they drill our Company harder than any other on the lines. Lieut Kirkby is very Well liked, We hear that the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomany will pass through to-day or to-morrow and the men are carefully watching for them. I shall be very pleased to see them. Several Yeomanry Companies have gone through already. There are a great many snakes and lizards about and some of the men brought some Chameleons into camp which created some amusement. I see the "Dandy Fifth" is getting on all right by the number of recruits. I am proud of my little sec- tion and I think the Battalion ought to be proud of them. They can drill with any section and not one has fallen sick. I will write again when we get higher up.

WELSHMEN FIGHTING FOR THE BOERS. Mr J B Jones, Goat Hotel, Llanfair, has received the following most interesting letter from his nephew Lc-pl W A Jones of the 1st S. Lancashire Regiment:—I was severely wounded on February 27th, having been shot through the right thigh when going with an officer to a party of Boers who had raised the white flag. The treacherous Boer will not attempt such a thing again, however, for he had a bayonet clean through him. I shall never forget February 27th. We had had ten days con- tinuous fighting, sleeping in our wet clothes, our faces unwashed for a fortnight, and our boots on our feet for six weeks. For 36 hours we had noth- ing to eat, but we stuck to our work like Britons; and no one in England can know what kind of work it is out here. People may say what they like about Buller, but he has had a terrible hard task. We were told two hours before daybreak that we must avenge Majuba, and we did it in grand style, going down the Tugela river for li miles, then mounting a very steep hill where we surprised the Boers. We got within 200 yards of their trenches and drove them out at the bayonets point. My regiment had the honour of doing it, but we lost our Colonel early in the fight. After I was hit I had to wait four hours before being taken to hospi- tal. It was awful to see the dead and dying around. Lyddite shells are fearful. Weare fighting against a foe that no other army in the world could beat. People in England have no idea of this campaign. We are fighting every nation in the world out here, and I am sorry to say, I have dropped across a good many Welshmen* but they have had to take the bayonet like the others. The winter is coming on, but we will bear all hardships for Queen and Country.

DR GUINNESS ROGERS' OPINION OF MR KRUGER. In the Contemporary for May, Dr Guinness Rogers writes upon the various issues raised by the war in South Africa. The following is his view of Mr Kruger and his treatement of British subjects in the Transvaal:—" The President is narrow-minded, fall of old-fashioned prejudices, and prone to a shifty and unscrupulous policy, and it is to this that the discontent of the Uitlanders was due. It was only necessary for him to deal fairly with them, in order to make them peace- able subjects of the Republic. The head and front of their offending, even as charged against them by their enemies, is that they thought only of capital and its interests. But capital cares neither for one flag or another, except so far as it can be made a commercial asset.' The Jameson Raid, and all that has followed are due simply to the mistake made by the President in treating as enemies men whom a righteous policy would have made bis friends, and whom true statesmanship might easily have conciliated."

« THE GERMAN EMPEROR AND THE INDIAN FAMINE. The following telegrams have been exchanged between the German Emperor and the Viceroy of India:- The German Emperor to the Viceroy of India. May 3.- Full of the deepest sympathy for the terrible distress in India. Berlin has, with my approval, realised a sum of over half a million marks. I have ordered it to be forwarded to Cal- cutta to be placed at your Excellency's disposal. May India feel in this action on the part of the capital of the German Empire a deep sense of the sympathetic love for India which prompted my people, and which emanates from the fact that blood is thicker than water. Viceroy of India te Emperor of Germany. May 4.—I have the honour to receive your Im. perial Majesty's most gracious telegram, the terms of which will create a thrill of gratitude throughout India for the warm-hearted and sympathetic atti. tued of your capital of Berlin aoting upon the opportune and noble initiative of your Imperial Majesty. It is indeed an illustration of the binding force of kinship as testified by your Majesty, that the German people should turn a kindly thought to the work being done by the British Government in this country for the relief of the terrible sufferings with which the poor Indian people are afflicted. On their behalf I venture to acknowledge the generous action of your Imperial Majesty and a most muni- fioient contribution of your people.

+ A serious coaching accident occurred on Tuesday on the North Wales Coast. IA. party of fourteen visitors left Llandudno in a four-in-hand coach for Penmaenmawr, and while making the descent into the latter town the driver appears to have lost con. trol of the conveyance, which crashed into the wall on the right side of the road. Three occupants, Mr Reuben Davies (driver), Miss Scott (Oldham) and a boy, were thrown over the wall and rolled some distance down the slope beyond. All three were rather seriously injured. The rest of the occupants kept their seats and were uninjured. Assistance was brought from Penmaenmawr and Dwygyfylchi, and after the injured passenger3* had been attended to the remainder were conveyed back to Llandudno. Printed and Published by Samuel Salter and David Rowlands, at their Offices, 21, Berriew Street, Welshpool, in the County of Montgomery, and Rock View, Towyn, in the County of Merioneth. -Thursday, May 10,19C0.