THREATENED NATIVE WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12016, 12 July 1902, Page 5

THREATENED NATIVE WAR.

TROUBLE WITH THE BASUTOS: By Telegraph— Association.—Copyright- , London, July 10. The Basuto chief Joll has been summoned to Maseru to answer a charge of treason. It is feared that if Joll proves recalcitrant the paramount chief, Lerothodi, will sunnorfc him. Detachments of infantry and artillery have been sent to the Basuto frontier in readiness to cope with any resistance. Chief Jonathan is faithful to the British.

Basutoland is a native province of British South Africa, enclosed between Natal, the Orange River Colony, and Cane Colony. It is administered by a Resident Commissioner. The population is estimated at 250,000. The country includes the finest grain-producing land in South. Africa; gold and other minerals are believed to exist, and the olimato is magnificent. Efforts were made by Free State officials during the Boer war to detach the natives from their allegiance to the British, but in vain. The paramount chief, Lcrothodi, remained loyal and made many offers of assistance to the British, which were declined, though about 10,000 horses were purchased for remounts. .Toll, against whom a charge of treason has been laid, is believed to ha#e aided the Boers on several occasions.