SOUTH AFRICA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2541, 26 November 1902, Page 22

SOUTH AFRICA.

LONDON, November 17. Sir Percy J. Fitzgerald, author of " The Transvaal from Within," in an article in The Times, recommends a very small direct war tax in the Transvaal, and the application of the proceeds from Government rights in future mining transactions to the purchase and development of railways and irrigation by well-fcinkmg, in order to attract settlers, bring contentment, and racial reconciliation. Britain, from the revenue derived from public works and sales of land, would ultimately recover the greater part of the cost of the war, besides be opening up South Africa as a great field of colonisation. November 19. Ladies Edward. Cecil, Charles C. Bentinck, Georgina Fife, the Duke of Montrose, Lord Hugh Cecil, and the Hon. Alfred Lyttelton appeal for money, new clothes, and bedding on behalf of the loyalists. They declare that the Imperial Government has indicated that the loyalists, at best, can only be compensated to the extent of 50 per cent, of their losses. They belong to classes which, under normal circumstances, never need, and under no circumstances ask for assistance. They represent a proud, hard-working farmer and artisan class — the backbone of the community, — : facing impoverishment, hostility, discouragement, and are shown the cold shoulder at the Cape by the Government, and in the country districts hold a distinctly inferior position owing to their attachment to the Empire. The million and a-half Natal loan has been more than covered at an average of Is Id above the minimum, which was fixed at £94. The Standard's Brussels correspondent declares that Mr Krnger and others have been officially informed that Mr Chamberlain will decide after his tour regarding their exile. Botha is suffering from inflammation of the bladder. He and De la Rev return early in December, and join Mr Chamberlain in Africa. An unexplained large drop in Rand shares has taken place. The newspapers regard this as notable on the eve of Mr Chamberlain's departure. November 20. Botha and the other generals have abandoned the European tour. They will not return to Europe. There is a severe drought in the Vryburg district. Several farmers have returned to the burgher camps. Though martial law has been abolished ill the Transvaal, • power to reimpose it is reserved and the right to expel dangerous persons and other precautions are retained. Refugees in the Transvaal camp= are reduced to 13,000, chiefly indigent-. The fund started in England in aid of distressed loyalists in South Africa L.a<s reached £1000. There are many small contributions. November 21. The pastors of the Paarl district have inquired into the ca^e of the Rev. Mr Vlok, a Dutch minister who incurred his nock's di&pleasure by his unswerving loyalty to the British Government. The elders by 26 to 3 decided that he could not continue as a pastor to the congregation. Vlok then accepted £1000 and an annuity of £150. In his farewell address he said he never expected such treatment after 21 years' service. November 24. A Transvaal Land Department has been established. No further Crown lands will be alienated, except under specified conditions. Mineral reserves may be held separately. Po^sesMon of lands and minerals will be re-umable for public purposes. BERLIN, November 19. The Natal correspondent of the National Zeitung declare- that Botha is encouraging tue Dutch Reformed Church to agitate for a separate educational system, and that the Hollander teachers indoctrinate the children with the traditional hatred of Britain. Tho correspondent urges foreign nation- not to contribute to help the movement, which is designed to inflame racial hatred. DT'RBAN, November 19. The Natal Parliament has been di— 'olvecl. CAPETOWN, November 19. The Cape Assembly has been prorogued till January 10. The Progressives have adopted a platform including the following planks : — Maintenance of the British settlement as made at the conclusion of the war, removal of fiscal barrier-, reform of taxation, fair representation, and extensive public work=. November 20. Martial law ia the Orange Rivpr Colony ha* boen repealed, and an ordinance similar to that in force in the | Transvaal f-üb-tituted.

Dunn? October the highest rainfall recorded for the North Inland was 15.81 in. at Mangorei-Korito road (Taranaki), where rain fell on 18 days. The lowest was .63in. at Pahiatua. la the- South Island the highest rainfall was 12.23 in. at Pe.kawau, and the lowest 50in. at Cape CamnlieLL,