LATER CAPE NEWS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5798, 18 September 1880, Page 3

LATER CAPE NEWS.

(Peb s.s. Rotobua, at ibb Btunr.)

Capetown, Augnst 17th.

Affairs in Basutoland are threatening. According to a telegram received, it is computed that there are 20,000 armed Basutos, of whom only 6000 are loyal. The disaffected Basutos are supplied with arms and ammuai. tion.

From King-William's Town it h reported that the Cape Mounted Rifles, under Colonel Bayly, are expected to arrive on Wednesday eight. The entire distance is 350 miles. As yet no intelligence regarding him has been received. Tribal gatherings have been appointed *t Thaba Boßijio. Latest news from Basatoland is to the effect

that Letsis and a number of followers are inducicg Lelorothili to proceed to Thaba Bosijio for the purpose of disc->»siog the disarmament with Masuphua and his tribe. Information from Masna is to the effect that Letsic has been required by the Government to arrest Maeupba, and destroy hi* fortifications on Thaba Bosijio. LeUic replied that it would be straining bis authority too much, and suggested that the Government should, as a compromise, be content with the infliction of a fine on Masupha and his para monnt chief's assurance that he will carry out the disarmament in time.

Doubts exist as to tbe ability of Letaic to carry out the proffered pledge. There is considerable speculation in claims in Griqualand Weet. where one share and a quarter in the Kimberley mine has just changed hands for L12,C00. Prospecting is going on in all directions. Plenty of new rushes are reported. Farms in Griqualand West and neighbouring divisions of the Free State are assessed in the market at fabulous prices, causing suspicion of bona fides.

At the diamond-fields the European wrongly sentenced has been released, but the goods were sold by the sheriff.