South African Trouble.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 184, 7 April 1896, Page 2

South African Trouble.

MATABELES RISING

Capetown, April 2.

Sir H. Robinson has informed the Imperial Government that the Matabeles are massing at Katopo. He is afraid business by the southern roads will be interrupted on account of danger from the natives. They are reported to have plenty of ax*ms. The Chartered Company are enlisting 500 recruits, the officials being afraid the rising may become general. Capetown, April 8.

All natives withiu a radius of 15 miles of Buluwayo have risen, and a body of them have gathered at Kainivrider.

Buluwayo is obtaining supplies from the north Sir H. Robinson thinks the force at Buluwayo will be sufficient for the defence of the place, but will not be able to send out flying columns. The Matabeles have an ample supply of provisions, and are said to be good shots. They have fortified their position at Matapopo, where an attack made upon them by Mr Selous was repulsed. Lord Gifford, however, repulsed a body of 200 natives and rescued a party of 36.

Five hundred volunteers are on their way from Grigualand, and it is reported that the Transvaal Government has offered assistance.

Five whites were killed at Inyati. The revolting patrol has retired. It is expected the campaign will last two months. The Rhodesian horse has been disbandoned.

Rhodes attributes the rising to the premature arming of the native police. Sir H. Robinson thanked Kruger for his offer of assistance, but stated the Imperial forces would be sufficient to cope with the insurgents.

Gifford has formed a force numbering 2000. Olimo, instigator of the rising, has proclaimed himself king. London, April 4. Mr Chamberlain has sent a despatch to' President Kruger, friendly in tone, but firm. He insists on redress for the grievances of the Uitlanders, and maintains that it is the right and duty of Great Britain to interfere. a reply tcthe invitation to visit England, and states that he caunot allow Kruger to go on fiuitely withholding an answer, The Pretoria correspondent of the Times says difficulty lies iu the fact that the Roars desire the absolute control of the Government.