SOUTH AFRICA.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4740, 23 August 1902, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

NATIVE LABOUR FOR THE MINES. THE YELLOW ALTERNATIVE. LONDON, August 21. Tho increasing difficulty of obtaining native labour is causing uneasiness at Johannesburg, and repatriated Boers are unable to work their farms for the saihe reason. Reuter’s Agency estimates that there are only 620,000 natives available for work in South Africa. Tho importation of Chinese is being seriously considered.

OPERATIONS UNDER MARTIAL LAW. • CAPETOWN, August 21. The Speech of the Governor (Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson) at the opening of the Cape Parliament announced the introduction of Indemnity Bills covering martial law and unauthorised expenditure. Progressive members criticised tho absence from the Speech of any promise of legislation dealing with tho repression of sedition and tho importation of arms. The Afrikander Bond members, as the price of their supporting Sir Gordon Sprigg, claim the appointment of a Colonial Commission to inquire into the operation of martial law and award damages, moral and other. LONDON, August 21. “ The Times ” says the appointment of a Colonial Commission to inquire into the operation of martial law in Cap© Colony, as desired by the Afrikander Bond, would bo a deliberate slight to Britain, since Lord Alvostonc’s Commission ,has already been appointed. COMPENSATION FOR LOSSES. (Received August 23, 0.23 a.m.) CAPETOWN, August 22. Sir Gordon Sprigg (Premier) states that £270,000 has already been paid in Capo Colony in compensation for losses sustained through the late war. Britain' contributed £200,000. Neither Britain nor the Cape Colony, said Sir Gordon, intended to compensate for losses caused through tho second invasion or subsequent rebellion. BOERS LEAVING ST. HELENA. (Received August 23, 0.23 a.m.) CAPETOWN, August 22. Another thousand Boers have left St. Helena for tho Cape. A CHANGE OF PARTY LEADERS. (Received August 22, 10.40 p.m.) LONDON, August 21.

The Progressive members cf th# Cape Parliament have deposed Sir Gordon Sprigg, and have elected Dr Smartt leader of the party. TERRITORIAL CHANGES. (Received August 22, 10.40 p.m.) CAPETOWN, August 22. Tho “Natal Witness” says that Wak-

kerstroom will bo excluded from the Transvaal territory recently ceded to Natal.