Mackay's operations at this time were confined to those parts of Nqutu district that abutted on the Buffalo river. He operated in, and thoroughly patrolled, such parts as Isandhlwana, Malakata, Hlazakazi and Mangeni. Steps were taken to ascertain all kraals from which Natives had deserted to join the rebels, whereupon their stock was seized and confiscated. Owing to these measures, which included the destruction of Mehlokazulu's most important kraal, Mackay assisted materially in causing the situation at Nkandhla to mature, besides restraining many from rebelling through fear of their stock being looted by the enemy. But for such activity, Mehlokazulu, for instance, would not have amalgamated his forces with those of Bambata as soon as he did. Mackay, in fact, compelled the foregoing, Mtele, Nondubela and other leaders, with their followers, to act with greater precipitation than it was in their interest to do. Had more time been allowed, it is more than likely that a far greater _impi_ would have been raised in Nqutu district than the one that actually went forward to Nkandhla. If, again, Mehlokazulu had been afforded the opportunity, it is not improbable he would have resorted to tactics similar to those adopted by Bambata and Sigananda towards seemingly neutral or half-hearted tribes, _i.e._ dragooned them, by seizure of stock, etc., into taking up arms against the Government. The Reserves attached to Mackay's column were ordered, on the 5th June, to demobilize at Helpmakaar. The excellent services rendered by the men whilst in the field were suitably acknowledged by the Commanding Officer. When McKenzie was appointed to take supreme command in Natal and Zululand (30th May), Leuchars was instructed to continue to command all troops in Natal as well as those in Nqutu district, though in future under McKenzie. After placing Newmarch in temporary command of the U.F.F., with Capt. W.N. Angus as staff officer, Leuchars proceeded with Carter viâ Greytown to Helpmakaar to direct operations from that point. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 205: By this time, Van Rooyen and his men had got back from Zululand.] [Footnote 206: In consequence of Bambata's and Sigananda's _impis'_ raiding tactics. Many cattle were at the same time driven into Natal.] [Footnote 207: Two of Gayede's sons were killed in the action at Bobe.] [Footnote 208: The strength and disposition of Leuchars' forces, at 3rd May, was as follows: At _Mazongwane_ (high up Inadi River)--U.M.R., 192; N.F.A., 37; N.M.C., 3; N.V.C., 2; N.T.C., 6. At _Greytown_--N.R.R., 44; N.S.C., 6; U.M.R., 7; Reserves, 81. At _Krantzkop_--N.R.R., 58; Reserves, 81; U.M.R., 5; N.S.C., 1. At _Keate's Drift_--U.M.R., 31. At _Mapumulo_--U.M.R., 20.] [Footnote 209: These springs are in the bed of the Tugela River, some nine miles from Krantzkop.]