LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE TRANSVAAL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7377, 1 February 1902, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE TRANSVAAL.

THE NEGOTIATIONS BT DR

VAN KUYPER.

Received February 1, 8 44 a.m.

London, January 31. The Right Hon. J. Chamberlain, in the House of Commons, said a Legislative Council would be appointed for the Transvaal when practicable— according to the state of the country and the progress of military operations. The Bight Hon. A. J. Balfour announced that Britain's reply had reached Dr. Van Kuyper (Netherlands Premier) to-day. The communication will be cabled at an early date. The Daily News says there are indications that Dr Van Kuyper sent word of his willingness to act as a friendly negotiator and strive to induce abandonment of the claim for independence. Mr Chamberlain replied that advances must emanate from the Boers. Dr Van Kuyper later wrote to the Marquis of Lansdowne, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, extending the offer of negotiatorship as between the Boers in Europe and the Boers in the field.

The Daily Telegraph understands that Lord Lansdowne's reply was . a courteous assertion that, owing to lack of authorisation to speak for the Boers and lack of tangible proposals, the suggestion was unserviceable, even as a basis of negotiations.

REINFORCEMENTS.

Keceived February 1, 9 a.m.

London, January 31. Lord Roberts, Commander-in-Chief, inspected 6000 reinforcements leaving Aldershot for South Africa.