[113] The N.R.R. were withdrawn from Richmond in the middle of March and demobilized.
[114] Miskofeli's mother is a daughter of the late Chief Langalibalele of whom mention was made in Chapter I. This woman's influence during 1906 was directed to inducing her son's tribe to pay the poll tax.
[115] It should, however, be pointed out that the Magistrate, Richmond, had previously been directed to proceed to the Ixopo division to inquire of Miskofeli if it was true his tribe had armed and, if so, for what reason. Mr. Gibson had an interview with the Chief near Waterfall on the 14th February, when Miskofeli denied having armed or that he intended attacking anyone; he added that he had duly proclaimed the Act about the poll tax. The visit, carried out with much tact and discretion, probably contributed in no small degree to the result referred to in the text.
[116] Also called Ixopo.
[117] A remarkable stampede of about 1,100 horses took place one night whilst the troops were at the village. Owing to its being cold and rainy, the animals were driven, with some mules, into a paddock near camp. The mules later on caused the horses to stampede, when the whole started galloping wildly, en masse, round and round in a great circle, part of whose circumference lay within a few yards of the camp. The thunder of the rush as each time they swept madly by was positively deafening, much to the dismay of the reclining warriors. Once or twice they dashed through the picket lines, compelling the sentries to take refuge helter-skelter in camp for fear of being trampled to death. Not until dawn did the galloping cease, probably owing to sheer exhaustion. It was found that many of the animals had severely, and some even permanently, injured themselves by running into barbed-wire fences in the dark.
[118] The foregoing took place although all the efforts of the Chief himself were on the side of law and order.
[119] A Zulu word, meaning here 'affair.'
[120] This officer's services were as follows:
South African War, 1899-1902—In command Umvoti Mounted Rifles. Operations in Natal, 1899; Relief of Ladysmith, including operations on Tugela Heights; operations in Natal, March to June, 1900, including action at Laing's Nek; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to October, 1900; operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal, September and October, 1901.
Despatches, London Gazette, 16th April, 1901. Queen's medal with four clasps. King's medal with two clasps. C.M.G.