Rhyl Journal

ST. ASAPH. POST OFFICE.—The appointment of sub-post- master has been conferred on Mr Ed Hughes, of the Liverpool Post Office. Mr Hughes has had some excellent experience of postal work, and has also the advantage of a full knowledge of his new district, he being a native of the parish—the Bodelwyddan side of it. He begins duty this week-end. Mr Hughes was for some time at Chester, and whilst there he took great interest in the work carried on at the Welsh Church. His activity was continued in connection with the Welsh Church at Birkenhead, where (Mr Hughes being a trained musician) he acted as deputy organist. He was also the secretary of the Sunday School. Mr Hughes comes to St Asaph with excellent testimonials. He is a brother to Mr Hughes of the Rhyl Post Office.

Hints to Visitors. Do not stty too long. It is a great thing to break into the life of any family, even for a few days. Pay no attention to requests to stay longer, how- ever sincere they seem. Set a time to go when you arrive, and stick to it. Conform absolutely to the household arrange. ments especially as the hours of rising, going to meals and retiring. Be ready in ample time for drives or other excursions. Carry with you all requisite toilet supplies, that you may not be obliged to mortify your hostess by pointing out possible deficiencies in the rcom you occupy, such as a clothes brush-the article most commonly lacking. It is almost always wise in fthe middle] of your visit to go off somewhere by yourself for a day, to rest your entertainers. Enter heartily into all their plans for entertain- ing you, but make it plain that you do not care to be entertained all the time, or to have every min ute filled with amusement Be ready to suggest little plans for pleasure when you see your hostess lat a loss to entertam you. Try how well you can entertain her, for a change. Be pleased with all things. If you ever were brisk and sprightly, be so now. Your good spirits and evident enjoyment are the only thanks your hostess wants. Take some work with you, so that when your hostess has to work you may keep her in coun- tenance by workihg also. Do not argue or discuss debatable matters. Few things show worse taste. Offer to pay the little incidental expenses that will be caused now and then by your visit • but merely offer—do not insist upon it, which would be very rude. very rude.

THE QUEEN'S GIFT TO HER SOLDIERS. The following despatch from General Sir Redvers Bul\-er to the Secretary for War was received at the (War Office at 5 a.m. on Sunday: — Capetown, Saturday, 9-35 p.m. Folkrwinsj telegram received from General Commanding at Pieterrrrarrtzburg to-day: — Following received from General Hildyard, Commanding at Kstoourt: — At 8 <t. m. this morning officer oommandmg northern outposts reported enemy's mounted patrols were advancing across the whole ownty from Gourt-on-rd. to Ulundi, moving on Est- oourt. My force stood to arms. The outpost reported various bodies, from five hundred to seven hundred strong, advancing on Ehtoourt from 3. north-westerly direction. One party, 150 strong, moved towards the railway bridge half a mile to the north-west of Estoourt. Oar ou", fired on the enemy. and one of the >wa.val guns fired one shell at eigsht thou- sand yards range. This shell buret close to enemy, who then hurriedly retired. At welve o'olook report reooiv-ed from three picket-s, who reported a large number of Boers in sight on a hill above Leslie's homestead. The troops have returned to camp. THE ARMOURED TRAIN FIGHT. The W-ar Office has issued th following telegram from General Buller to the Secretary for War (re- ceived Sunday, 6 p.m.): — Capetown. Sunday, 3-30 p.m. In continuation of my telegram of 16th Nov- ember. referring to armoured train a.t Estoourt, three mere men of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers are reported miossing-na.mely, Privates J, Fitzgerald and E. Magurre, Royal Irish Fusiliers (attached to Dublin ITusiHars), and Lance-Corporal Brady. A telegram from the British Consul at Lorenco Marquez, dated 18th November, re- ports that fifty-six prisoners captured from the Estcourt armoured train have reached Pretoria. I believe that Winston Churchill is mi:!8ing, but I have as yet been unable to ascertain fof certain. THE ANNEXATON PROCLAMA- TIONS. The following telegram, dated 16th inst., from 8ir Alfred Milner to Mr. Chamberlain, has been iesoed by the Colonial Office:- Having been informed tJiat the Orange Free State have issued proclamations annexing Griqualand West and portions of the Ali-wal North. Albert, and Cotesberg districts, I issued a counter-proclamation on the 10th November and 15th November of a similar kind to that in my telegram of 28th October, and have declared the latter districts to be under martial law. A Central News Estcourt telegram, dated Monday, 1-20 p.m., says:—Details of the great British victory at Ladysmith on Wednesday last continue coming through slowly, but every report confirms the first statement that the enemy received a more ter6ble gson in this baitle than in any previous fight. Firing commenced at dawn by the Boers making & determined attempt to reach the north end of Lady- «rrnth. Their rifle fire was concentrated on this poim, and clearly indicated the large number of men they had told off for this enterprise. On our side the riflemen and Maxims kept up a well-sustained fire. The enemy could make no headway against it. and rapidly took cover. Later in the morning Gome regiments worked round uhe enemy's flank, and the Boers then dropped back from their position under a deadly fu-silade. The losses NTM-tained by the enemy were exceedingly heavy. A large number of dead were counted on the field. A considerable number of prisoners fell into our hands. many of these being wounded and left an the battle- field. The British losses were trivial when com- pared with those of the enemy. Various reports brought in all indicate that General Joubert is mov- ing to the south with a strong column with the sup- posed intention of investing Estcourt. Should this prove oorrect it indicates clearly that the Boer com- mander has abandoned hope of carrying Ladysmith 'by assault. It is stated that Joubert ha.s left an in- vesting force at Ladysmith sufficiently strong in his opi-ni011 w prevent General White from breaking through. FIFTEENTH DAY OF THE SIEGE, [" Times Second Edition Telegram.] I/adyamifch, Nov. 16th (by Runner via Estcourt, Nov. 20th.) Tbia is the fifteenth day of the siege. The enemy tJOntÎnues apathetically dropping "hells into the town and engaging our cavalry outposts with a long range fire. It iø generally thought that. the Boers invest- ing Ladysmith are a reduced force, the main body having moved south to intercept the reinforcements .1rioh WfI now hear are arriving at Estcourt. In th8 sma-if hours of Wednesday morning we had an alarm. The enemy fired all their guns bearing on h toWC). R-ix civilians have been hit by sheJl" during ttw, last two days. Information is ¡¡caree, 4th8 enemy still maintaining an excellent cord-on of CKrtposte aroond us. We are all well and confident wrf success. The husbanding of ammunition during the ea.rly stages of th" investment now makes us 8fW'JUTe 8.11 ffor as all munitions of war are concerned. The heavy weiather of t.he last few days has jhaanpered the enemy considerably. THE TOWN IMPREGNABLE. [Router's Agency.] Cape Town. Saturday. According to news from Estcourt of yesterday's date, published by the Cape Times, runners who have arrived there from Ladysmith state that the town is impregnable. The enemy do not attempt to attack it, and continue an ineffective bombardment. Tbe stores are open, and the sanitary condition of the town a.nd health of the troops and horses are excellent. BOER ADVANCE SOUTHWARD OF ESTCOURT. [Renter's Agency.] Durban. Monday. A tel-ftgram from Estcourt to the Natal Adver. tiser" announced that seven hundred Boers from Weenen yesterday took up a strong position at Highlands, which is about thirteen miles south of Estcourt. They have occupied Cope Turner's Farm, north-east of the Mooi River. Major Thornycroft, of the Mounted Infantry, a.nd the Estcourt troop of Carabineers engaged the enemy, who are believed to have lost three men. including the commandant. The enemy then moved back. While they were at Cope's they captured two hundred cattle, which were being driven to the Mooi River for safety. The Boers detained the Cope and Turner families, but subsequently released them on their promising nor. to disdo tbe movements of the commando. Tbe main oommando, which yesterday was at Leslie's Hill, near Estcourt, is reported to have fallen back twenty-five miles. ARRIVALS AT DURBAN. MOMENTOUS DEVELOPMENTS EXPECTED. [Press Association War Special.] Durban, Tuesday. All the up country rifle associations have been called out. The transport City of Cambridge, with the 2nd Scottish Rifles, has arrived. All the troops arriving here have without exception been made the objects of most cordial and enthusiastic demonstra- tions of welcome. They are pelted by the crowds with fruit, tobacco, newspapers, etc. The men are most appreciative of these tokens of goodwill, and respond heartily, ^erybody is anxious to do some- thing, howpver small, to assist at the present crisis. Tho hospital ship 'Spartan is lying in the harbour with wounded, Oil whom every earp i" lasisbf>(1. Th, vessel is inundated with gifts from townspeople, the commander ha." wcitn a 1ettpl" to thf Press, tbanking the citizens for their generosity. A visit to the refugee quarters here is a sight not easily forgotten. The beach is simply a town of tents. Thanks to the indefatigable efforts of the "Relief Committed alt are now comfortable. Momentous developments are expected to occur at any time between Estcourt and Mooi River. A special correspondent of the "Natal Advertiser'' •it the latter place says that owing to the inroad of Boer forces and looting parties the residents in out- lying districts have come in for protection, bring- ing with them their stock whpnever possible. The rMooi River Valley was never previously so rich in cattle. General Barton, who commands in the district, maintains a most efficient scout service. A large commando with artillery, commg from Ulundi ■was seen approaching a few miles away, but the ecouts afterwards failed to locate ft. An armoured engine now precedes all trains to the north of the Mooi River. UNPRECEDENTED SIGHT IN V TABLE BAY. WONDERFUL ACTIVITY. Capo Town, Tuesday. 9 a.m. Table Bay in theftc war days presents an unpre* deceased spectacle, On Sunday there were no iewer than fifteen great steamers in the roadstead, all Ukleat troopfl or or both, wbile several others were in the docks. The quays are crowded with pontoon sections, gun*, traction-engines, and railway trucks. Train loads of stores and troops are being despatched constantly northward to the frontiers. Soldiers are to be seen everywhere. The Imperial Cavalry attract the most attention, for it is quite ten ye'ars since that arm of the military ser- vice of he Enpire was last seen in Cape Colony. Nothing could be better than the behaviour of the troops, and perfect order prevails. Transvaal emis- saries positively swarm in Cape Town and the country distriots, a.nd nine-tenths of the people would welcome the establishment of martial law. despite its hardship. and inconveniences, if it would help the authorities to deal with these spies. It is generally felt that drastic measures will be inevitable before very long. In this connection a well-known Cape Town sympathiser with the Boers insolently remarked in a public Government office the other day, that official records were like the damned Roonis: they could only tell lies." Sir Alfred Mil- ner is now rarely seen in public, and Government House is specially guarded. BOER ADVANCE ON ESTCOURT. ABRUPT CHECK AND PRECIPITATE RETIREMENT. Estcourt, Saturday 12-35 p.m. For several days past it has been known that the nemy were creeping towards Estcourt. and, as I stated in my telegram of yesterday, they boasted that they would be hero this morning. They met with a. reception, however, which they little expected. Exactly at ten o'clock the Dublin Fusiliers took up position, and without wasting any time opened with volleys at long range on the adv^cing enemy. When the latter were crossing the rMlway near a brm. to the north-west ot the town, a loud report was heard, and a shell whizzed over. We looked in breathless silenco for the effects of the shot. when a big puff of smoke indicated how good the aim had been, the shell bursting right in the middle of a. crowd of Boers. An instant later several horses were observed galloping away riderless. The enemy doubled back helter-skelter on advantageous pomt3 on the surrounding- hills. Meanwhile the enemy's guns were posted, and were getting ready to cover the advance of their firing line. They never dreamed, apparently, that we were in possession of long-range gnns, and t-hat the-ir astonishment must have been great was evidenced by the speed of their retirement. Our one shot caused the Boers to withdraw- out of sight. They had come on with great confidence, evidently certain of being in Estcourt a quarter of an honr after crossing the railway. Their progress, however, was unexpectedly arrested by our Blue- jackets. who deserve great credit for the accury with which they judged the range and direction at the moment of firing. All Ü quiet again. General Hildyard a.nd his staff were beside the naval gun when it was fired with such excellent results. OPERATIONS NEAR ESTCOURT. BOERS RAIDING & PILLAGING. [Reuter's Agency.] Estcourt, Monday, 11-10 p.m. The decline of interest in local events consequent tipon the withdrawal of the Boers from the vicinity of Estcourt, cutting themselves into foraging parties trending southward, induced us to make a trip to- day in an armoured engine as far as the Mooi River. At every station we passed we heard woful tales of the enemy's depredations, of stOres looted, houses ransacked, and cattle stolen. Among the names of the sufferers were Woodhouse, Robert Gray (Little Tugela), Bertie Hall (Willow Grange), and Berthou Cope (Albrechta). A story is currentjpf a European servant who was w jnensed with the Boers that he single-handed stalked 160 of them, bringing down no fewer than eight. There is a Boer commando on Piet Boshoff's farm, adjoining Rawlinson's, on the Down River, ten miles from Mooi River Station. A man named Harry Rendine, from Frere, reports that while travelling down from that town with cattle he was joined by a Natal Dutchman named Stoffel Buys. While they were conversing together some Boers came in sight, and Buys observing them, raised his hat twice, whereupon the Boers disap- peared. The incident is regarded as significant. I also had a short interview with Newman Robinson, who reported that a commando on the Upper Mooi River was working round to ottingham Road. On returning here I heard that the Boers were draw- ing closer on Estcourt from the north. i LATEST FROM ESTCOURT. LADYSMITH VICTORY CONFIRMED. Telegraphing from Estcourt, on Monday, the waf •correspondent of the Morning Post" says :—All is quiet here so fa.r. A large force of the enemy under General Joubert is reported to be moving from Lady- smith with the object of making a combined attack on Estcourt from the north-north-west. Presumably they are bringing big guns with them. A commando is also advancing towards Mooi River station, near which fighting is reported to-day with supposed raid- ing parties. Official confirmation has been received of the fighting at Ladysmith on Thursday, November 9th. From details received on Saturday it appears that 300 Boers were killed and 500 were made prisoners. Our losses were few in proportion. The invading army is trying hard to conciliate the Natal Kaffirs for obvious reasons. l. RELIEF IN SIGHT. 'COLUMNS READY TO MARCH TOWARDS KIMBERLEY LADYSMITH. Uv [Central News Telegram.] Orange River Camp. v. 18. The Grenadier Guards have arrived in camp, every man being in splendid health. The Guardsmen werB followed by the Northampton Regiment The absorbing topic of their talk is to how thev shall get level with the Boers on account of Majuba. These eager Northampton men modestly claim that they will he content with no smaller settlement than five Boers for every man of the regiment killed and wounded at Majuba Hill. The concentration of troops at this camp i" now complete except for the Naval contingent, which has not yet arrived, but is expected shortly. The column whirh will push for- ward to the relief of Kimberiey will consist of the Guards, the Yorkshire Light Infantry, the Northum- berland Fusiliers, the Northampton Regiment, part of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, details of other corps shut up in Kimberiey, together with a, proportionate number of men of the Royal Army Medical Corps, with a Field Hospital, and Army Service Corps. Reports brought into camp by scouts and spies indicate that the Boers are very activo to the, west of Kimberiey, and they are con- stantly skirmishing with the patrols of the Imperial forces. No really serious fighting has taken place. The transport arrangements are very complete, and the water difficulty has been relieved by a good down- pour of rain. Major-General Wauchope has been here on a flying visit to Lord Methuen, and has now returned south. During his stay here prowling Boers looted a wagon and ten span of mules. Col. Gough has performed the melancholy duty of forwarding to England the sword, helmet, and valise of his dead friend and comrade, Col. Keith Falconer. THE QUEEN'S PRESENT TO HER SOLDIERS. The Secretary for War (Lord Lamdowne) has teceived the following from Sir Fleetwood Edwards, Keeper of the Queen's Privy Purse — Windsor Castle. Nov. 19th. Dear Lord Lansdowne,—The Queen commands me to inform you of her anxiety to make some little personal present as soon as possible to each of her soldiers serving in South Africa. Her Majesty has decided upon sending chocolate, which she is given to understand will be appropriate and acceptable. It will be packed for each man in a tin that has been specially designed for the occasion. The Qiionn hopes that you will be able to arrange for its conveyance and distribution.—Believe me, yours very truly, "FIeetwood Edwards." It is understood that the Queen's ord-er has been placed equally between Messrs. Fry and two other firms, and that each tin will contain one pound of chocolate. Seeing that something like 80,000 troopa are concerned, the expenditure entailed by the Royal gift will be considerable but, apart from this, the gracious act and thoughtful kindness of her Majesty is what will most appeal to the whole nation, and the fortunate recipients by whom the specially de- signed tins will doubtless be prized only less dearly than the war medals which fall to their share. A Carlisle correspondent writes in connection with the Royal gift that some difficulty was experienced at first in getting the required 100,000 tins made in time, but that difficulty has now been overcome. Messrs. Hudson, Scott, and Sons, lithographic prin- ters. have undertaken to make 30,000 of the tins, and the remainder will be made by two other firm- whose names are unknown to the writer. The design of the tin is very neat. On the top of the lid there is an embos-ed head of the Queen, flanked on the one side by the monogram Y.R.I., surmounted by a crown; and on the other side by the words South Africa," and the date 1900. It may easily be imagined that the tin will be highly valued by the recipients as a memento not only of the kindness of heart of the Queen, but also of the trials and triumphs of an arduous campaign. A York correspondent states" that the order for the chocolate has been divided amongst the firms of.Cadbury, Fry, and Rowntrees, which will be suitable as beverage or sweetmeat, GENERAL ASSAULT ON LADY- SMITH. ENEMY REPULSED AT ALL POINTS. TRENCH CAPTURED BY RIFLE BRIGADE, BOER LOSS BETWEEN 700 AND 800. The "Times of Natal" war correspondent with the beleagured force at Lwysmith has got through the following graphic account of the recent fighting by a native runner, who left on Wednesday the 15th: — The enemy made- a determined attack on the 9th, all the Boer forces apparently taking part in it. Tho Boer artillery opened fire at. in the morning, and :eiu Poured in thick on the British |x*,itioti>, with, however, no groat effect. The Boers then adopted unusual taotics for them. Advancing under cover of their x.u¡:¡:i.. THE*TOOK ue » oostuoa. on -õ' 11." rJ{li5ana Kopjes acTJacent to those occuplea Dy mo British. Our troops in a splendid way thereupon left the camp, where they had been standing to arms. and lined the hills surrounding our own posi- tion. Continuing their advance, the enemy crept up, usmg every available bit of cover. Our infantry opened on them with a steady, warm accurate fire, which beat back the enemy, though they displayed a tenacity of purpose on a par with the desperate stands they have made on previous occasions. The enemy's attack was most elaborate, affecting all sides of the town, but the main attack was delivered between the Free State and Newcastle Ml11way lines. The brunt of their attack wa." sustained by a column composed chiefly of the Johannesburg Volunteers, the King's Rifles, and the Rifle Brigade. They made a csplennid defence. The enemy were re- pulsed, but rallied and returned to the attack. The Brirish returned a hot fire, and again forced tho enemy to retire. In front of the British lines the enemy had made a deep trench. "Vhilp reti6ng for their horses they left this trench unguarded. See- ing this, thr Rie Brigade advanced at tho double and occupied the trench. This smart movement was not observed by the enemy, who soon returned with their horses. Carefully reserving their fire, the Rifle Brigade allowed "the Boers to advance almost to the edge of the trench, and then poured volley after volley into the astounded Boers, who turned and fled before tho awful hail of bullets. As the enemy bolted across tho open arround our artillery opened upon them with a terribly effective shell fire. The enemy lost heavily. Meanwhile another section of the Boer forces brought a mortar into action, firing heavy shells, but the guns concentrated their fire upon it and soon silenced it, the enemy's artillerymen fleeing from the gun. The enemy advanced in force with the object of repairing the mortar, but the artillery shelled them, scattering them right and left. The fighting was over by eleven o'clock. In accordance with the traditional practice. General Sir George White ordered a salute of 21 guns to be fired in honour of the Prince of Wales's birthday. As the cannon boomed forth the troops raised cheer after cheer, t nd the scene was one of the greatest en- thusiasm, the incident being probably unparalleled ill history. At Ctesar's camp, which protects the town on the south-west, the Manchester Regiment had taken up a position, but they descended under cover of the guns for some distance on the further side of the hill, when several hundred Boers were observed hiding in a ditch for protection from our shells. The Manchest-ers fired a serie. of volleys into them, scat- tering the enemy and inflicting heavy loss. To sum up genera!1y, the Roer were driven off at every point. Their loss is estimated at between 700 and 800. XoHring further of any importance happened till the 14th, when a strong British force, composed chiefly of cavalry and artillery, made a reconnaissance, and came into contact with the enemy on the Colenso road. They drove tho enemy back upon their main position. Our shell fire was most effective,, and i. believed to have inflicted considerable damage. Our loss was one man. On the same day a shell killed a trooper of the Natal Mounted Rifles while he was asleep in his tent. Our men are fit and well, and in excellent spirits." The foregoing has been authenti- cated by Major Althan, the press censor at Lady." smith. THE SIEGE OF LADYSMITH. BOER ACCOUNT OF THE FIGHTING. [Press Association War Special] Lorenco Marquez, Friday. The folowing telegram has been received here via. Pretoria from a special correspondent at Elands- laagte, where General Joubert's headquarters now are. The despatch, which is dated the 9th inst., says Ladysmith is now completely encircled and closely invested. A second big French gun was re- moved from Lombards Kop yesterday, and placed in position on Bulwana Hill. As a result of this change everyone of its shots now reaches Ladysmith. During the night the Transvaal and Free State forces moved nearer to the town, and at an early hour fighting from heavy guns commenced on all sides, and continued at intervals all day. The British guns replied, but their fire was by no means as fierce or well sustained as on previous occasions, though they made better practice. The Boers so far have sustained no casualties. General Botha. heliographed from the South of Ladysmith that the British batteries were directing a heavy fire on his men from that side, but the Burghers were beat- ing them off, their big guns dropping shell after shell into the forts around Ladysmith. The Pre- toriÐ, commando took up an advanced position on a kopje immediately to the north-west of Ladysmith early in the morning, and commenced firing into the town, but they discovered that a British fort was on a kopje near them. From this fort a heavy, fire was directed against the commando, and the position became untenable. The Transvaal Creusot guns had meanwhile ceased firing owing to the failure of ammunition, but fresh supplier were brought up in the afternoon and the position was saved. Rifle fire was also heard on the Free State side. but the result of the engagement is unknown. THE ARMOURED TRAIN 1 ENGAGEMENT. "GIVE EM BEANS, BOYS." From particulars of the men who were missinjf after the armoured train fighting near Estcourt we 10arn that Private Skinner was onB of thc crack, shots of the colony. Private Caidenhead, who re- turned after the engine had got away and fired ninety shats, furnishing a range at three different points, was also a crack shot. He was wounded in the trigger finger. Private Jack Crow, formerly of the 42nd, was also very conspicuous where the fight- ing was thickest. He followed Mr. Winston Chur- chill loyally in his endeavours to clear the derailed trucks. Mr. Churchill turned to him and asked him his name, shook hands with him. and called him a, brave man. Wright, who is among thoso missing, was abo very prominent during fight. Hp fired from the knee in the .rution position, and was as cool and collected 3.'> If he had been at a rifle Tangr. With eoch «m.t 2te cracked a jokco, and kept his comrades from getting excited. All the time hoi was wounded, half of his right ear having been shot away. Private Baxter, when shooting prone, had his mess tin shot through. Sergeant Rollow, who has returned, had a narrow escape. A truck capsized, and pinned him to the ground, the edge of thA truck resting on his right hand. Wit-h thol bayonet in his left he dug his right hand out. and1: he afterwards fired one hundred shots. Corporal" Dickie. who was wounded, encouraged his mates whilo lying on his back by shouting "Give bpan. boys." The naval contingent fired roughly, and when they were about to fire their fourth shot their gun and two of their number were knockcd" over. Only one of them returned, the rest being taken prisoners. The members of C Company Dur- ban Light Infantry are still full of fight, but say they object to being tilted out of a truck like pota- toes out of a sack. INVASION OF CAPE COLONY. í The Boer invasion of Cape Colony is proceeding Apace. Aliwal North has been occupied by a Boer commando 600 strong; at Knapda.ar is a commando of 1.000; at Naauwpoort one of 600 at Burghers- dorp another of 500. All these places have been rtn. nexed to the Orange Free State, and proclama- tions have been issued by the invaders ordering loyal British subjeots to leave the district unless they are willing to be commandeered. The Free State Boers at Aliwal North, says the Times correspondent, have changed the name of the town of Oliviersfontein in honour of the commandant. The townspeople are safe and un- molested. The trade in the stores is proceeding as usual, but all thr canteens and hotels are olosed by, order of Commandant Olivier. The Transvaal flag was hoisted as well as the Free State flag. The Boers are camped at Melkspruit. four miles out on thn Burgbersdorp road. Thn districts of Aliwal, Albert and Barkly East have been proclaimed Free State territory. Martial law has also been pro- claimed, a.nd a Free State L»nddroat has been ap- pointed magistrate of Aliwal. The English resi- dents have been given 14 days' notice to leave. Mr. Hugo, British magistrate of Aliwal North, was forced to stand in the centre of the bridge when, the Free State commando passed over, as it feared that the structure was undermined. It is expected that Molteno, Jamestown, and Dordrecht? will be enüirclpcI by the Boer commandos. A movement of British troops either from Queens- town or De Aar is urgently expected by all the loyal inhabitan ts of this district. [Press Association War Special] De Aar, Friday. Refugees from Colesberg are arriving here. Among those who have come in is the Chief Con- stable, who states that the Boer proclamation was received in dead silence. The magistrate, he added, addressed the people, advising them to go home and remain quiet. He reminded them that they were rtill the subject? of the Queen, and ho hoped that they would remain so. The constable spoke feelingly of tkhe magistrate's conduct in trying circumstances. HOW THE BASUTOS HAVE BEEN RESTRAINED. SIR GODFREY LAGDEN'S EXCELLENT WORK. [Press Associatfbn War Special.] Cape Town, Friday. Judging from the tone of the Afrikander Press the succcss of the Free State in obtaining recruits from among the Dutch in the northern portion of Cape Colony is problematic. Only a few days will now atapse before Sir Redvers Bulier will havo assembled such a force as will enable him to carry- out the promises in his telegram which has every- where produced an excellent effect. The exciting news of battles M1cl skirmishes tends to overthrow the magnificent, work for the Empire which is being performed by Sir Godfrey Lagdcn and his staff in Baccllto1and. A few Englishmen placed amang" a multitude of warlike natives who have many grudges against the Boers have yet, by pure force of char- acter and will, been able to calm, guide and restrain them. It mast be remembered, however, that the Basutoa are ready to fight in defence of their capital, Masura. Had the Ba-sutos risen there is little doubt that very many Dutch in the Colony would have joined rhe BaNs. ix Godfrey Lagden's contribu- tion and work on behalf of the Empire at the present crisis deserves unlimited praise and credit, '1"-1.<

THE AMBCSH AT FRERE. SPIRITED BRITISH FIGHT. INDIVIDUAL ACTS OF BRAVERY SHOT THROUGH THE HEAD AND DOING WELL! [Press Association War Special.] Estcourt, Thursday, Nov. 16th, 12-45 p.m. I have just visited the Sanat-orium Hospital, where Are all those who were wounded in the fight between the derailed arm oured train and tbe Boers are dain g well. Captain Wylie, member of the Legislative Assembly, was very cheerful. He informed me that Orderly-Sergeant W. Tod, of tti-e Durban Light In- fantry, deserved special aitteratioin for his eiforts to protect the wotiaded. He surround-ed Captain Wylie with boulders, after he was hit and lying help- less, to shield him from the enemy's rifle fire, and for a few seconds lay down beside him to cheer him up. A shell landed among the protecting boulders, scattering tbem. Captain Wylie escaped without further injury. He says, however, that but for Tod's exertions he must have been killed. Several of the men had marvellous escapes. When Jvl r. Winston Churchill requested Captain Wylie to call for volunteers to remove the truck which had been upset, the Boer bullets were dropping on the train like rain. Nevertheless the men all through stuck to their work, responding gallantly to the noble ex- amples set by Lieutenant Franckland and Mr. ■ Winston Churchill, until the line was cleared. Churchill actually left with the engine, 1 ookirig-after the wounded, but got out at Frere, the next station, and .took a rifle from one of the wounded soldiers, saying he could not leave the other wounded. He then hurried back in the direction of the enemy. Sergeant Hassett, of the Dublin Fusiliers, alro be- haved with great gallantry. After the accident to the train he took charge of the firing party, and stood up unflinchingly, facing the hot fire which the Boers poured in, issuing his orders to his men like a true soldier. His example inspired the Fusiliers with heroic determination, and for come time, firing volley after volley, they kept the enemy 311; bay. Captain Haldane, of the Gordon Highlanders, fell early in the engagement, shot through the shoulder. Lieutenant Frankland's conduct is spoken of in the highest terms. He ex- hibited the utmost coolness during the most critical period of the unequal contest. He is among those reported missing. The shower of Mauser bullets va,, so heavy that one private, after being struck, dug a hole in the ground for his head. Copela.nd, of the Durban Light Infantry, was crushed to death by the truck when it toppled over. Godfrey, the foreman platelayer, was shot through the head, but miraculously escaped instant death, and is doing well. Lieutenant Alexander had an exciting ex- perience. One of the Dublin Fusiliers was shot by a shell in the arm. The shattered limb swung round, and hit Lieutenant Alexander on the neck, almost smothering him in blood. The shell at the same moment burst in front of him, on a level with his face. He was staggered and blinded for an instant. When he recovered his self-possession he saw a comrade lying dead at his feet, while he himself had escaped unharmed. Private Coyle, of the Dublin Fusiliers, has had his right arm ampu- tated. When I saw him he was smoking, and doing well. Private Cavanagh, Dublin Fusiliers, per- formed splendid work. When the firing line fell back he time after time rallied his comra, who, by firing volleys, prevented the horse-shoe line olt the enemy from enveloping the train. THE POSITION AT DE AAR. AN OFFICER ON BRITISH UNPREPARED- NESS. A letter from a British officer at De Aar, dated Friday, October 28th, has been received in London. The writer says: "This place is to be a big base when English troops come up. Ten thou- and are to come here, but are not expected for at least a month. At present we are the only regi- ment here, and have to keep the line open and guard all the stores coming up for :he 10,000 troops. Wa have not got half enough men, as the front of our positior is nearly five miles, and we can't watch it properly. We are right on the veldt, which is a mild sort of sand desert, and have got kopjes or hills all round; so our position is strong as long as wo can hold the hills. But if the Boers can get artillery near us they will wipe us out in a few hours without getting in rifle range at all. As we have no guns ourselves we keep on wiring for 'em, but the officials at home and at Cape Town don't seem to understand the position. The Northumberland Fusiliers have. gone on to Orange River. This place must be held, so we can't move on till rein- forcements are sent to relieve us, which may not" be for weeks. However, I think we are bound to see some fun sooner or later. The worst of this vile place is that there is not a loyal native within 20 miles of us, and they are only waiting for a good- opportunity to rise. We can only be ready for. them; that is, we can't attack them, as they have ,not yet declared themselves openly, though they are all spies." Saturday.—We have just hlad news of the capture of three Boer guns at Dundee yesterday, and, of course, everyone is awfully keen about it. Our men are all fit. We have got an awfully funny lot of native mules here. A white man oan't go near them. The Cape boys who manage them let ,them out. in the veldt sometimes, and. it's an awfui' job catching them." THE DEFENCE OF MAFEKING. REPORTED RAISING OF THE SIEGE. [Prois Association War Special.] Tuli, Nov. 5. Captain MacLaren reports from. Atak-lutqi The Squadron, which has arrived from Maktutsi Junction, reports that there are only a few Boers in that neighbourhood. Captain Jarvis, commanding the D Squadron, yesterday reconnoitred to within three miles of Bryce's store. He saw no Boers, but there was a fresh spoor. A patrol of the enemy- retiring to the south was seen by Lieut. Chepstone. Major Pilson is reconnoitring near Bryce's store to- day. Colonel Plnmer has received news that the British at Mafeking attacked the Boers' laager and that the enemy retired from the neighbourhood of the town, having lost heavily. The British loss was six killed. He has also received a report from. Palapye (Khama's capital) that General Groblcr and his commando are at Selika, on the Crocodile river. Boers were seen at Bryce's store yesterday. A: further reconnaissance went out to-day. The, wounded are doing well and the general health oil the troops in Tuli is good. DISPOSITION OF BRITISH FORCES. Now that the greater number of the Army Corps transports have arrived, the following is the disposi- tion of General Buller's forces at the seat of war NATAL CAMPAIGN. Ladysmith (General White) 10,000 Estcourt (General Hildyard) 2,500 Pietermaritzberg and Durban 5,000 On the sea to Durban (General Clery) 4,500 y. Total — 22,000. r ORANGE RIVER CAMPAIGN, Cape Town (General Walker) 500- De Aar and Orango River (Gen. Methuen) 15,000 Kimberley (Colonel Kekewich) 2,000 Queenstown (General Gatacre) 5,000 Total 22,500 Western force, -Mafekin 1.500, Northern force, Rhodesia 1,500 Total 3,000. This makes the total 47,500, not including the- Army Service, Medical Corps, and the troops stillf on the sea. The regiments which have gone on to Nai-al ara as follow 2nd Battalion West Surrey, 2nd West Yorkshire, 2nd East Surrey, 2nd Devonshire Regiment. Commandant: Major-General Hildyard. 1st Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 6th Brigade, and 211d Royal Irish Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles. Commandant: Maior-General G. Bar- ton. 17th Company Royal Engineers, 3 Batteries Royal Field Artillery, Field Troop Royal Engineers, Ammunition Column, 2 Field Hospitals, Divi- sional troops, 1st Division. Large Contingent Mounted Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Division. It is understood that Lord Methuen's 1st Division operating towards Kimberiey, consists now of the whole of the 1st Brigade, under Ma.ior-General Sir H. E. Calville, viz. 1st Scots Guards, 1st and 2nd Coldstream Gitards, 3rd Battalion Grenacher Guards, 3 Batteries Royar; Field Artillery, and another Brigade consisting- of the Northumberland Fusiliers, Vhrnster Fusi- liers, and part of the Loyal North Lancashire and the 9th Lancers. THE DURBAN-LADYSMITH RAILWAY. It is of interest to know the approximate distances (in miles) of some points on the Durhan-Ladysmith- railway line, in view of our relieving division: — io i'etermar- Ladysmith. it-zburg. Durban Colenso (Tugela River) 16 103 173 Chicveley 20 Frere 24 Ennisdale 28 — Estoourt. 33 86 156 Willow Grange 41 — — Highlands 50 — —■ Mooi River 64 55 125 Coachman (driving Mr. Sfcingiman) The horses are running away, sir, and I can't stop them." Mr. Stingiman: "You can't ? Well, be caieiul to run into something cheap." "Jonathan, you have been outrageously disobedient. What is the most severe punishment I can inflict upon you ?" "Just heap coals of fire upon my head, papa, by giving me a bicycle." Ambition indulged in abstinently is a source of power used inordinately, is a source of unreasoning intoxication and loss of that honour which smoothes the rugged path of existence. Christianity and the War. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,- What strikes me most forcibly about the tone and temper of the friends of war is the super- ficiality of our religion. It is only skin-deep. It has only modified and clothed in modern garments the natural ferocity of the wild beast inherited from our ancestors in the primeval forest. That, I believe in my heart, is the explanation of the de- plorable war-fever which has spread through the Christain Church, and plucked out by the root every Christain yirtue. Just think of the abso- lute lack of charity exhibited by the willing, and I am afraid, the eager acceptance of every idle tale that is told against the Boers. A company of natives, who are known to hate the Boers, brings some cock-and-bull story of treachery and cruelty, and the papers publish it in large letters, and the Christain public believe it It is absolutely worth- less to a man who has kept a cool head on his shoulders but any story is good enough against the Boers. When I think of the teaching in church and chapel, and the prayers there and the hymns that are sung by lips that in a few hours will be discussing without shame and indignation of the butchery of a battle field-when I hear of bishops and clergy,clergy of more than one denomin- ation, speaking of war in tones of something very like approval, I begin to wonder what Christian- ity has come to after nineteen centuries. What's the use o' meeiin-goin' Every Sabbath, wet or dry, Ef it's right to go amowin' Feller-men like. cats and rye ? I dunno but wut it's pooty Trainin' round in bob-tail coats,— But it's curus Christian dooty This ere cuttin' folks's throats. I confess I am astonished at the silence of the pul- pit. Here and there some brave man, who has not followed the multitude to do evil, and is not afraid to do his duty in the face of a people pos- sessed of the devil of militarism, speaks out; but as a rule there is either nothing said, or some- thing that encourages thtl spirit of war. Ministers of the Gospel, at any rate, should rise above the sophistry, which the Government themselves have brushed aside, that criticism is to be silent, and they, of all men, should remember that- Ef you take a sword an' dror it, And go stick a feller thru, Guv'ment a'int to answer for it, God'll send the bill to you. The Government is the original and the great offender, but if every man who professes to follow the Prince of Peace had spoken out the Government would have been powerless. I do not wonder that so many people find it impossible to believe in Christianity, when these are the fruits of those who expound and those who are supposed to practise it. At a great crisis, when it it most wanted, it breaks down. If human nature is' so much too strong for it after nearly 2,000 years, how can we hope that it will ever convert the world ? I ask in all seriousness will any one who goes to church or chapel, and believes in the teaching there and also believes in the war, tell me how I may reconcile the following words with the temper of a vast number of my cduntrymen at the present moment:— Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God. If any one thinks he can reconcile these plain words of the Founder of Christianity with the glorification of war, then I have no hesitation in saying that either he is grievously misleading him- self or Christianity is a delusion.—I am, &c., PAX VOBISCUM.

DENBIGH. RIVER POACHERS.-At the Petty Sessions held on the 17th inst., John Wynne, of Denbigh, was convicted for having a gaff in his possession to kill salmon, on November 4, at Dolhyfryd Weir, and Horatio Nelson Lake, of the same place, was also convicted for aiding and abetting. Defendants were fined 5s each and costs. At the same Ses- sions, Richard Hughes, of Denbigh, was convicted of a similar offence at the same weir on the 7th instant, and Owen Roberts, of Denbigh, was also convicted for aiding and abetting the oence. Defendants were fined 5s. each and costs.—Mr Percival Williams (Messrs Gamlin and Williams, Rhyl) prosecuted in the four cases for the Clwyd and Elwy Fishery Board.

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