THE TRANSVAAL

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 5

THE TRANSVAAL

CONCESSIONS BY THE

VOLKSRAAD.

LONDON, July 7

A R.uter's despatch says that the Volksraad held a secret session, aud after much resistance adopted a franchise on the basis of a seven years' residence. Settlers before IS9O will be enfranchised on taking the oath of allegiance. Settlers prior to 1595 will require to wait three years, and those of 1897 five years. Naturalisation is to be optional and retrospective in the case of settlers before 1898. PRETORIA, July 7. The Rand "Post," a Dutch organ, in an article on the situation, says the xoot of the evil can be exterminated only by tearing up the Convention with Great Britain, or war with that nation. LONDON, July 7. The "Times" confirms the British (defensive preparations in South Africa, and says transport arrangements are being completed. Eight special service officers are leaving England to organise the residents, police, and local forces on the frontier. . Lord Wolseley has prepared a large iorce, which may be needed in the •vent of the failure of negotiations. Lord George Hamilton, speaking at Chiswick, declared that no Government Would deserve to stand if itfailed to enforce the moderate proposals made by Sir. A. Milner.