SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Mataura Ensign, 16 August 1906, Page 4

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

By Electric Telegraph-Copyright. i'ev United Press Associutiun. CAPETOWN, August 15. The Capo Assembly has passed an amnesty to rebels bill, removing nil disabilities. They also acclaimed a bill to prevent the adulteration of wine and brandy, nnd which prohibits the use of cane sugar, salicylic acid, find other foreign substances ; proper labelling is made, compulsory. Mr .1. A. X. Merrinmn created u sensation bjl remarking that it was utmost impossible to obtain a good bottle of Cape wine.

The recent decision of the English Courts in the Be Brers income tux case formed the subject of resolution, moved by -Mr Merriman in the Assembly, and unanimously udoptcd. It expressed regret that the Imperial <«>- vernment had taxed companies which to all intents nnd purposes are South African, as such a proceeding would have consequences prejudical to the best interests of the Empire. Mr Merrinmn remarked that the colony must turn to De Beers Company for means of meeting interest on the colony's liabilities, 'but was now hampered and 1 prevented from imposing a legitimate tax on that undertaking. He predicted that next session an irresistible demand would be mudc by the Cape to tax diamonds, therefore, it was important to prevent the Motherland intervening and taking dues belonging to llie colony. The last clause of the resolution implied l)e Beers' right to fix their headquarters in Paris, America, or elsewhere. Jiecetvcd August IC>, ~.'-\- a.m. CAPETOWN. August 15. Or. Jameson, in welcoming Mr Mcrriman's resolution, referred to the Agents'-General joint interview with the Treasure in I'.Wl. He added :-- "When I saw Mr I.yttellon later lc; was quite sympathetic, and declarer! if the case went against the De Beers Company ii would Vie a lit subject for Imperial legislation. Nothing has been done since, but i hope the unanimity shown in the Cnpe Assembly will carry weight with the Home authorities.'"