The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1881-01-29 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.  SURRENDER OV LYDENBURG GARRISON. The following telegraphic despatch has been received at the War Office:— From the General Officer Commanding, Natal and Transvaal, to the Secretary of State for War :  "NEWCASTLE, Jan. 21 "Report from Delagoa Bay: garrison Lydenburg surrendered 7th inst. Weather here unfavourable." The garrison of Lydenburg is supposed to consist of one company of the 94th Regiment.  The following has been sent for publication from the Colonial Office : Administrator Sir G. C. Strahan to Secretary of State: "January 21st. From Kaffraria. Very large capture of stock reported to-dity. "Eight hundred Umditchwa's men surrendered. "Basutoland as before. " Pondoland all quiet."  The following telegram was received from the Premier at the Cape, dated Cape Town, January 21 : •  "Within past week Pondomise Chief Umditchwa and eight hundred men surrenderea. In Tembuland about twenty thousand cattle, ten thousand sheep., and one thousand horses captured. One hundred and fifty rebels killed. Pondoland reported quiet."  Under date Cape Town, Jan. 22, a Reuter's telegram says that a sortie has been made by the British force in camp at Potchefstroom, which resulted in four Boers being killed. At attempt of the Boers to mine the camp has been frustrated.  'The Standard, in noticing the surrender of Lydellburg, remarks :—The surrender of the garrison of Lydenburg was so generally anticipated that it can scarcely be considered as a new misfortune to our arms. It might have to be announced a little sooner or a little later. But it has from the commencement of the outbreak been regarded as almost certain that the isolated garrisons of Lydenburg, Wakkerstroom, and Standerton must surrender before help could arrive. The commanders. of these posts had but a very short time to prepare for a siege, and could not have collected provisions for a three months' blockade; cattle could, indeed, have been brought in in large numbers; but cattle must be fed, and in a small town there would be no accumulation of grain sufficient to keep them alive for long. It is probable that the fall of Lydenburg will ere long be followed by that of Wakkerstroom and of Standerton, unless Sir G. Cooley feels strong enough to advance from Newcastle to the relief of these towns, situated as they are at a comparatively short distance from the frontier.  Mader date Durban, Jan. 24, The Times of Tuesday published the following :  A Caffre refugee in Newcastle reports that the Boers are evacuating Utrecht, and concentrating at Wakkerstroom. They destroy all property. The prisoners are in Joubert's camp. The troops are building detached forts round Newcastle and the laager has been provisioned for fifteen days. The troops marched for the Transvaal at daylight to-day. The Boers are still besieging Wakkerstroom and are firing long shots. Two Boers have been shot, but there have been no casualties on our side. It is untrue that the Boers attacked the town on the 16th. The length of the column from Newcastle is over four miles. The 68th Regiment is in advance and the Rifles and the Naval Brigade in the rear.  A general feeling of surprise is expressed here at Sir G. P. Colley's advancing before reinforcements arrive, and it is supposed that he has received special news. The strength of the column, which is estimated at 1,300 men, contrasts unfavourably with the length of the convoy. Natal is now denuded of regular troops. The Boers have made overtures to the Zulu chief Oham, who, however, refused to desert the English. The Maqulisine tribe, who formerly under Umbeline were so largely mixed up with the Zulu war, have joined the Boers, and being notorious robbers and murderers may give some trouble.  A detachment of the Natal Mounted Police is on its way to Newcastle from the southern border because of a Basuto raid after they had left the frontier. It is believed that the Boers who return home to tramp the corn are replaoed by others. About 6,000 arc supposed to be in the field. The Beers have asked for three cannon from the Free State, but have been refused. Public opinion here is divided as to the Boer action in face of Sir G. P. Colley's advance. Some think that they will melt away; others that they will surprise and out-number him.