CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

Otago Witness, Issue 399, 23 July 1859, Page 6

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

From the " Melbourne Age " we copy the following intelligence to 20th April : —

One of the events of the past month has been the formal disapproval by the Imperial Government of any further extension of British territory in South Africa. Despatches have been received by the Himalaya definitely disallowing any policy on' the part of the colonial Governor or Parliament by which British sovereignty would in any shape or form whatsoever be resumed over the abandoned Orange Free State, or be extended to the Transvaal or other more distant provinces of the continent. This has put a stop to all further agitation of the federation scheme, which for the last two or three years has been so warmly advocated by Sir George Grey, This issue of the affair has been altogether unexpected by his Excellency.

The ie venue for the current year is set down at £474,075, or about £50,000 in excess of the income during 1858. The expenditure is estimated at £466,804 ; of which about £16,000 is under the head of ecclesiastical ; £64,687 for border department and the aborigines ; £9000 for education ; roads, streets, and bridges, £70,000.

The railway works are now fairly in operation. The first sod was turned with the usual formalities by the Governor, on the 31st of March ; and, though the rain poured down in drenching torrents during the time, there must have been several thousands assembled to witness the ceremony. The contractor has arrived by the Phcebe, and has already engaged a considerable number of labourers, who have commenced the actual excavation of the line at several points simultaneously.