2 company, fell down a hatch and hurt his shoulder severely, but not so seriously as at first thought. At daylight on the 20th we caught the first glimpse of Africa, and at 11 a.m. dropped anchor in Durban roadstead. Eighteen large ships wore between us and tho bar, and across the spit we could see a perfect forost of masts. Next day we

were instructed to proceed to the Capo. All the sparo time whs spent in packing kits. A second blanket was rejected, and the bags reduced to Gibs. On the way we lost another horse, making five. On February 2!th we dropped anchor in Table Bay, half a-mile from the shore. ' Over ninety ships were lying in harbor. We disembark to-morrow. Lieutenants Wall and Pilkington, New Zealand Cadets, who have just finished their military course in England, oro to be Captain Smith's sub alterns. Dr Mackenzie has been attached to Kitchener's Horse. Everyone speaks highly of the New Zealanders. Cash- Maitland, Feb. 28. After disembarkation we marched to camp. Captain Smith met with a slight accident, which incapacitated him for a couple of days, but he is now on duty again. Yesterday when Lord Roberts wired for more men some of the Australians were asked if they could get ready. They replied " No," but Major Cradock said " Yes," and in two hours No. 2 Company had left for Naauwpoort, the Major going with them. The battery guns have arrived, but the ammunition will not be here for a day or two. There has been a little trouble re garding Major Yorston, who was sent out in charge of the gnus. If he goes lie would by seniority be in command of the Con tingent, to which Major Cradock naturally objects. The matter has been referred to New Zealand. The No. 1 Company will probably go north this afternoon, and the battery be underweigh in less than a week. Our horses are admitted to be the best in camp. MR REEVES EXPLAINS. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, this day. ' The Hon. W. P. Reeves, in ,i letter to the Premier, justifying his estimates of the British loss and the extent of the Boer forces, says as to the first he was supported by the estimate of casualties published in the English papers. 