HOME & FOREIGN.

Waikato Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1476, 7 February 1903, Page 3

HOME & FOREIGN.

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f) /' [PEK UNITED PUESS*ASSOCIATIOS] JUT ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT]

*_ SOUTH AFRICA. Capetown. February u. As a sign of Mr Chamberlain's growing popularity mid the improved feeling amongst tho burghers, sections of the Boers, ' The Hand Uppers ' (the name by which the burghers who surrender are known amongst the Boers), tho National Scouts and those who continued fighting to the end, have joined in the presentation of an address at Bloemtouteiu. There is a feeling, even amongst the bitterest section of tho Boer.*, that Mr Chamberlain is determined to right all injustices. An address presented to Mr Chamberlain by the Caledonian, Cambrian, and Australian Associations referred to the harsh administration of martial law. London, February o. Lord Onslow, speaking at the Chamber of Commerce dinner at Edinburgh, said that he blamed tho shipping lines' conference with the Union Castlo Company for the high freights, thus impeding trade. Now that the Transvaal and Orango River Governments were placing large ordors for every kind of goods for the development of the colonies, the Colonial Office would endeavour to secure, even if it chartered its own steamers, fair but remunerative freights for goods, both Government and public. The Australian war correspondents have been awarded medals without clasps. Sir William Hareourt has published a letter in The Times complimentary to Mr Chamberlain on his progress in the improving of racial relations in South Africa. He says that Mr Chamberlain has dealt with some questions in a spirit that all can approve and admire. Melbourne, February C. In reply to representations on tho subject, Sir Edmund Barton has received a communication from the Colonial Office, stating that the Imperial Government has every intention of carrying out the spirit aud letter of the promises made at the Imperial Conference. As regards South African military contracts it was added that in the new South African meat contracts already made there was a condition that supplies should, if possible, be obtained from Imnerial sources. London, February 6. The Standard says that Mr Chamberlain is speaking plainly to the Dutch clergy, and denounces their pastoral writing. The National" Scouts had to confess their misdeeds preliminary to their forgiveness. The clergy relied that confession often removed bitterness and paved tho way for friendship. He promised to enquire into specific cases for the refusal of officers of the church. Mr Chamberlain intends to established a non-political board to control the railways of the Transvaal and Orauge Colony to consist of official and civilian elements in order to control the future policy and equalise the financial results. The bulk of the profits have hitherto gone to Capo Colony. The Times estimates that the immediate relief to British taxation will not exceed £10,000,000, aud expresses the hope that the Right Hod. Mr Ritchie will restrict wholly the income tax. BRITISH FOOD SUPPLY. London, February 5. In connection with the recentlyformed association for promoting an inquiry into the question of food supply in war time, tbe Duke of Sutherland presided at a large meeting, whereat the association was duly initiated. A deputation was appointed to interview the Government on the subject. Lord Strathcona said it would bo a great relief to the Motherland and the colonies if measures for (he security of food in war time were initiated. AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE. London, February 0. Mr Coneland, the New South Wales Agent-General, in addressing the Scottish branches of the British Empire League, at Edinburgh, said that Australian nationhood was autonomous and must be allowed to a great extent to judge the desirability of an Australian navy. The Admiralty would do a good service if they provided Australian sailors with several months' training annually. Mr Copeland, speaking at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce dinner, described Lord Onslow's.announcement of his threat as the most cheering news he had received since he came to Britain. VENEZUELA. New Yoiuc, February o. Castro has levied auother £IOO,OOO loan on tho citizens. Beiujn, February 6. In the Reichstag Count von Bulow declared that Germany was pursuing in Venezuela exactly the same lino as Britain and Italy. She was following: a path of calmness and sobriety, desiring only tho security of lives, property and trade of the Germans. MACEDONIAN HORRORS. SOFIA, February 6. Refugees from 3G Macedonian villages relate horrible stories of tortures, robberies and violations. MISCELLANEOUS. London, February 5. Bishop Abraham, formerly Bishop of Wellington is dead,. Mr Austin Chamberlain's speech at Birmingham foreshadowed an electoral redistribution. Lord Carrington was unanimously elected to tho presidency of the National Liberal Club, which has been vacant since Mr Gladstone's death. The Warwickshire couuty cricket authorities oppose the proposal to widen tho wickets, and suggest that the height should bo increased by two inches. The Victorian Agent-General has disposed of the bulauco of tho Agricultural Department's shipment of 02 hogsheads of tobacco at 5d per pound. Tbe whole realised £2330. The manufacturers regret the cessation of shipments. PAEIS, Fobruary 5. The French torpedo-destroyet Espingole struck on a rock in tho Bay of livalairo, and sank. The crow were sa^Td. Constantinople, February o. Bulgaria challenges an international inquiry into tho Forte's statement with reference to the Bulgarian bands which intended to operate in Macedonia. '