GENERAL CABLES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue VII, 14 February 1903, Page 434

GENERAL CABLES.

THE KING’S ILLNESS. The King is suffering from a slight feverish cold and has postponed his visit to Chatsworth. Although Buffering from a slight cold in the early moraing, King Edward later on the 3rd inst. planted an elm tree in the new Edward VII. Avenue at Windsor. The Prince of Wales planted a second tree, and Prince Eddie a third. Subsequently rest, instead of a long journey, was prescribed as a precaution. The latest report is that he is progressing satisfactorily. The Queen drove out as usual during the afternoon and the Prince and Princess of Wales proceeded to Sandringham. The King is suffering from mild influenza. The physicians declare that there is no cause for anxiety. Although the visit to the Duke of Devonshire at Chitsworth is definitely abandoned, it is officially stated that the King is making excellent progress. The King has made splendid progress. Sir Francis Laking, physician-in-ordin-ary to the King, reported that the period in which any complication is likely to occur' is already past. He anticipates an early convalescence. The newspaper “Lancet”has been authorised to state that the King for a week had not been feeling in his usual health, and complalneu on Friday of being more sensitive to cold than usual. The attack of influenza was slight, and he was not confined to his bed, but only to his room. The thoughtful message of the King and Queen expressing their regrets to the authorities and people of Derbyshire at being unable to pay a visit to Chatsworth is warmly appreciated. PERSIA. The investiture of the Shah of Persia with the Order of the Garter, recently conferred by King Edward, was a brillian function. The ceremony was performed by I iscount Downe, head of a special mission sent to Persia for the purpose. The “Tinies,” in protesting against a policy of drift, says that something beyond complimentary Embassies to Teheran are needed to enable Great Britain to hold her own in regions wherein, as Lord Cranborne declared in 1902. amidst warm approval from both sides of the House of Commons, we cannot abandon our rights and ascendancy. It transpires that a Russo-Persian commercial agreement has been completed which becomes operative on the 14th instant. It introduces specific instead of ad valorem duties, levied under a treaty which has been in operation since February, 1828. The new agreement aoclishcs the majority of the Persian export duties and tolls and the system of farming out taxes, and establishes Persian Customs stations. Persia is arranging with Russia the details of the payment of Customs storage, free storage period for 12 months being granted. The “Standard,” commenting on the new’ Russo-Persian commercial agreement, says that Britain should claim any commercial advantages secured by Russia. We are at least as strong in the Persian Gulf as Russia in the transCaspian, while the Quetta-Kushki railway is no menace. It indicates an appreciation of the need for preventing the absorption of Southern Persia by another Power. The “Standard” adds that the security of India demands vigilance in Baluchistan. SOUTH AFRICA. The Earl of Onslow, speaking at Glasgow', and referring to South Africa, said that a sum equal to the estimate to cover claims arising out of the military receipts should be transferred from the military to a civil board. The Transvaal revenues would bear any excess, which W’ould probably amount to a million pounds. Discussing the question of Liberalism, Lord Onslow regarik-d Lord Rosebery as a foolish virgin for refusing to trim his lamp when the Liberal party started. He had baer, regretting it ever since. There are only 55,068 natives working on the Rand gold mines, and 7395 in the collieries.

The Boer generals have assured their countrymen that it is hopeless to ask Mr. Chamberlain for fresh concessions, adding: “We know now exactly where we stand; we must work accordingly.”

The Rand mining companies are negotiating for the introduction of 25,000 Japanese labourers. They offer better pay than that given to Kaffirs. A number of foreign Jews have beeu prevented landing at Capetown. General Prinsloo, who with his commando surrendered on July 30, 1900, at Brandwatcr Basin, Orange River Colony, is dead. [General Pinsloo, who, al the beginning of the war, was Free State Commandant-In-Cbief, but returned to his home after Paardeburg, surrendered unconditionally to General Hunter at Fourlesberg, in the south-east of Orange Biver Colony, near Basutoland, on the date above mentioned.]

MR CHAMBERLAIN IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Mr Chamberlain, in receiving th* South African League deputation, referred to the lax enforcement of the Peace Preservation Act, and the prevalence of boycotting. He said if specific proofs were forthcoming of such cases it would immediately become an Imperial matter, which he would be bound to consider. Mr Chamberlain spent Sunday at I’aardeburg. Mr Chamberlain’s Kimberley speech was very outspoken regarding the ingratitude and rebellion of the Cape Dutch in contrast to the present manly attitude of the Transvaalers. He appealed for the co-operation of all to promote the policy of reconciliation and avert the disastrous exelusion of the Cape from ,the ultimate federation of South Africa.' Describing the great heritage of the Empire, he asked, amid cheers, if they would be content to be sleeping partners. Considerable hostility was shown towards Sir Gordon Sprigg owing to Mr Chamberlain’s speech. The “Times” says Mr Chamberlain, despite Sir Gordon Sprigg’s presence at the Kimberley meeting, made it clear he was utterly dissatisfied with Capa Colony’s present condition, and that unless the Cape soon redeemed its character it was destined to become the Ishmael of South Africa.

Mr Chamberlain recommended Johannesburg to municipalise its drink traffic. Mr Chamberlain was enthusiastically welcomed at Bloemfontein. Mr Chamberlain advocates that the profits from the municipalisation of the drink traffic be applied to the improvement of Johannesburg and the reduction of the municipal debt. As a sign of Mr Chamberlain’s growing popularity and the improved feeling amongst the burghers, sections of the Beers, “The Hand Uppers” (the name by which the burghers who surrender are known amongst the Boers), the National Scouts and those who continued fighting to the end, have joined in the presentation of an address at Bloemfontein. There is a feeling, even amongst the bitterest section of the Boers, that Mr Chamberlain is determined to right all injustices. An address presented to Sir Chamberlain by the Caledonian, Cambrian and Australian Associations referred to the harsh administration of martial law. Sir William Harcourt 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. Mr Chamberlain was presented with an address of welcome at. Bloemfontein from the municipalities of the Orange Colony, wherein all the Dutch delegates concurred, expressing the hope that Bloemfontein would soon be a federal capital. Mr Chamberlain, in returning thanks, declared that he was overwhelmed with kindness, and interpreted the rejoicings of the occasion as unique and the reception accorded him on Tuesday to mean that they recognised the motives of his visit.

Mr Chambrelain, speaking at Bloemfontein, promised the new colonies a rpogressive Government on the lines of the late President. Brand’s policy. He added that during his tour he found that the destruction of property during the war was greater than he had anticipated. All the destruction had been in the later stages of the war. Had peace been declared at the date of the fall of Pretoria and the disappearance of the Boer Government, nine-tenths of the Buffering would have been avoided. _

The leading Doers interviewed Mr Chamberlain at Bloemfontein, and hia replies to them dispelled any lingering doubts. They now express themselves convinced of his conciliatoriness and sincerity. They also consider that Colonel Goold Adams, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Orange Colony, is the right man in the right place. The “Standard” says that Mr Chamberlain, speaking plainly to the Dutch clergy, denounced their pastoral inviting the National Scouts to confess their misdeed as a preliminary to their forgiveness. The clergy replied that confession often removed bitterness and paved the way to friendship. They promised to inquire into specific cases of the refusal of the offices of the Church. Mr Chamberlain intends to establish one non-political Board of Control lor the railways of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, consisting of official and civilian elements, in order to control future policy and to equalise financial results, the bulk of the profits hitherto having gone to Orange Colony. Owing to the absence of an early notification that the Immigration Act of Cape Colony would oe enforced, between one and two thousand aliens are voyaging to Capetown, many of them liable to exclusion. Those so liable will be carried to Australia, whence they will be retransported to Europe.

Mr Chamberlain has informed a deputation of the municipality of Bloemfontein tiiat responsible government cannot be granted tor some time, though it will be given as soon as it can be safely allowed.

Christian De Wet, with a party of others of the last fighters, had a two hours’ interview with Air Chamberlain, who declined to receive an address dealing with the language question, repeating the efforts lately made at Pretoria and accusing the Government of contravening the Vereeniging terms, especially with regard to an amnesty for rebels.

This Mr Chamberlain indignantly denied, and the debate grew heated. De Wet was anxious to tear up the Vereeniging arrangement and begin afresh.

Mr Chamberlain’s reply was direct, forcible and uncompromising. The “Hands Uppers” and National Scouts later on thanked Mr Chamberlain for all he had done and gave pledges of unswerving loyalty. Tire delegates of the previous deputation declined the Government’s hospitality.

Mr Chamberlain was not satisfied with the representative character of the first burgher deputation, which was supposed to represent three sections. Then came Christian De Wet’s delegation. including Hertzog, George Brand, and Drain.

Mr Chamberlain declared .that if the Vereeniging settlement were revised he would dictate terms.

Piet De Wet headed the more influential section of the loyalists. The “Standard” declares that Christian De Wet will probably end by becoming the instrument of the Bond in the struggle for mastery between the various sections which has now begun. The “Daily Telegraph” says Christian De Wet occupies a similar position in the Orange River Colony to that of Botha in the Transvaal. They are Willing to co-operate with the Government. but are afraid to lose the Boers’ confidence. VENEZUELA. Reuter’s Agency states that Castro has informed Mr Bowen that Venezuela desires an equal treatment of her creditors, while mindful of prior agreements. Argentine and Chili have offered to sell their warships now being built in Europe to America. Mr Austin Chamberlain, M.P., speaking at Birmingham, said that Germany made overtures to Britain for co-opera-tion in Venezuela. Mr Chamberlain admitted the unpopularity of the iubject, but declared that sentiment should not govern policy. Castro is playing the Powers against each other, and trying to create dissension. The consensus of opinion among the New York correspondents is that the hitch in the Venezuelan settlement negotiations is somehow attributable to Britaiu. The leading American organs have outspoken articles describing the British Government as a pro German

Government, which is accused of failing to understand how much this Venezuelan money is costing them. The “Times,” commenting on Mr. Bowen’s latest offers, states that the relief in both countries will be hearty and profound. 'lf the offer is approved Castro frees us from the obligation of continuing the methods of compulsion. The “Times” also expressed the hope that the sudden wavs of feeling in the American newspapers would quickly subside with the knowledge that Britain’s conscience was clear.

Mr Bowen has rejected, on behalf of Venezuela, the proposal of the Powers that the allies should retain 20 per cent, of the Customs revenue for other claimants. Mr Bowen declared the principle of the proposal was offensive to modern civilisation and Venezuela would prefer to refer the question of preferential treatment by tne Hague Arbitration Court. It is announced at Washington that if a compromise regarding the proportion and preferential treatment is not reached Mr Bowen is prepared to pay the amount in cash, which the blockaders ere willing to accept as a preliminary to the hearing by the Hague Tribunal. General Aleandra has defeated the V enezuelan insurgents at Camatagua, capturing 250 men and 40,000 cartridges. The bakeries at Caracas are closed, owing to the want of flour. Biscuits are unobtainable. Mr Bowen,who is acting for President Castro, has declined to yield on the 20 per cent, proposal. Sir M. Herbert, the British Minister, representing the blockading Powers, vainly appealed to President Roosevelt to arbitrate on that point. The question of preferential treatment will, therefore, be transferred to The Hague Tribunal. As soon as the protocol is signed Mr Bowen will be prepared to pay each blockading Power £5500 as the first instalment of payment for personal injury to their respective subjects and secure the raising of the blockade.

The “Daily Mail’s” Washington correspondent alleges that Sir M. H. Herbert (British Ambassador at Washington), is offended at Mr. Bowen’s outspokenness, and has protested to Lord Lansdowne, who has refused to authorise a rupture. Sir Michael has demanded an apology for Mr. Bowen’s note expressing surprise and regret at Britain’s willingness to remain allied with Germany and Italy longer than necessary. Mr. Bowen aas substitute., another note, omitting the objectionable sentence, though the original has already been given to Ihe newspapers. Mr. Bowen characterised the 20 per cent, proposal as a scheme to trick Venezuela into abetting a six years’ alliance against herself. Conversing with Sternberg, President Roosevelt emphasised the necessity of raising the Venezuelan blockade at the earliest possible moment.

Castro has levied another £ 100,000 loan on the citizens.

The British Ambassador at Washington has addressed to Mr. Bowen some rather heated observations as regards his conduct in the recent negotiations, especially condemning his excessive confidences to the newspapers. In the Reichstag Count Von Bulow declared that Germany was pursuing in Venezuela exactly the same line as Britain and Italy. She was following the path of calmness and sobriety, desiring only security to the life, property and trade of the Germans.

Several German newspapers condemn Sternberg’s compliance with America, instead of repelling the latter’s insinuations and attacks. They complain that America’s insolence has reached an unbearable pitch. One German newspaper declares that Mr. Bowen’s impudence equals Castro’s, and reminds President Roosevelt of the comparative strength of the American and the allied fleets. The German path in Venezuela is one of “calmness and sobriety,” says Count Von Bulow. Several German newspapers condemn Baron Sternberg’s compliance with America, instead of repelling the latter’s insinuations and attacks. They complain that America’s insolence has reached an unbearable pitch. MOROCCO. The “Times’ ” Madrid correspondent says that the assurances of Lord Lans-

Jowne and If. Deleasse to Senor Abarzuza, the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, that intervention in Morocco bo far as they are concerned at present' is not intended, have quitened Spain. The correspondent adds “But they told only half the truth,” and declares that M. Deleasse at the end of the summer frankly proposed to Lord Lansdowne that France would recognise Britain’s occupation in Egypt if France thereafter were allowed to have a free band in dealing with Morocco, excepting the North African coastline, with the view of securing suzerainty as a corollary to the Franco-Italian arrangement as regards Tripoli. Lord Lansdowne was not unfavourable to the proposals, but requested a postponement of the pourparlers until the South African and Venezuelan questions were settled. The facts, continues the correspondent, show France’s greater friendliness and goodwill towards Britain, and that both statesmen recognise the possible advantages of closer relations. The forces led by the Moorish Minister surprised and rushed the pretender’s camp at dawn, routing the rebels with great slaughter. They captured the provisions and ammunition and recaptured the guns lost in the fight of December 23. The Moorish Minister for War, with eight Kropps and four Maxims, attacked the pretender's front, the Beduvarien tribe, whose allegiance had been secured the previous day, assailing the pretend er’s rear. A stubborn fight ensued, which lasted for three hours. The rebels fled towards Tesa, the troops pursuing them with the intention of punishing the disloyal. AUSTRALIA. A Frenchman named Maillot, after purchasing wine at Mr Lauffer’s vineyards, Perth, began to destroy the fruit. When Lauffer remonstrated Maillot shot him dead. The Federal Government is considering the proposals to purchase the Eastern Extension Company’s cable between Tasmania and Australia at a price quoted at between £200,000 and £ 300,000. Westralia’s gold yield for January was 210,4500 z., a record month. Last

year’s total yield was just over two million ounces, Kalgoorlie contributing about half. Out of this dividends were paid representing £1,214,000.

At a performance of Wirth’s Circus, in Adelaide a portion of the stage foil, precipitating 400 spectators to the ground. After the performance had i>een resumed another hundred fell. Many received nasty bruises and abrasions, b it none were seriously injured.

The Labour Conference has closed. The conference adopted a resolution condemning the addition of the title “Lord” to the mayoralty as another link in the chain of objectionable Imperialism, and every way opposed to the best interests of the community.

At a meeting of the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce the members hotly condemned the Federal tariff and what was termed Air Kingston’s brutal and insulting administration of the Customs Department. In order to show their disgust it was decided to ignore Air Kingston’s visit to Brisbane.

The progress report of the stock returns to the end of last year give some idea of the disastrous results of the drought. Singleton and the Cooma districts have not yet supplied returns, but the final figures will not be largely altered. The number of sheep is stated to be 24,476,090, a decrease of 17,381,000 as compared with the previous year; cattle, 1,490,000, a decrease of 398,000; horses, 393,654, a decrease of 61,476. In 1891 there were 61,831,000 sheep, and since then there has been a steady yearly decrease.

It is estimated that the loss resulting from the drought at Parkes is equal to £B5 for every man, woman and child in the district. Sir E. Barton states that he knows nothing of the New Zealand proposal to obtain a training-ship for boys. He is inclined to think that New Zealand is anxious to have the services of one of the gunboats. In that case it would lie attached to the auxiliary squadron, if the new naval agreement conies into effect. The agreement makes no provision for a training-ship for boys, so a fresh proposal, one that New Zealand was adopting on its own responsibility, was not a matter upon which the Federal Government could have anything to say.

The Grammar School boardinghouse question again shelved —till March 26.

Over a thousand new books for the Library, Auckland —9CO by Mr Mackeehmc, and 160 sent by Miss Perston, who is now in England.

A number of extra clerks in the Government service at Wellington were dismissed at the end of last month. The •‘Post.” says that the pruning knife will be still further applied within the next few weeks.

A poll on the question of joining the Greater Christchurch was taken in Sydenham last week, and carried by an overwhelming majority, the figures being: For amalgamation, 039; against, 421.

The following “matrimonial” advertisement appears in the “Rangitikei Advocate”: —“A young man who has just started dairying wishes to meet a widow writ, four to six children with view to bliove. Age no great consideration, but children must be able to milk.”

In connection with the recently formed association for promoting an inquiry into the question of food supply in war time, the Duke of Sutherland presided at a large meeting, whereat the asssociation was duly initiated. A deputation was appointed to interview the Government on the subject. Lord Strathcona said it would l>e a great relief to the Motherland and the colonies if measures for the security of food in war time were initiated.

The matter of the electric lighting of Auckland was again before the City Council last week, when the Mayor stated that Mr AV. G. Goodman, who was reporting to the Council on the subject, would be in Auckland next week, and would then present his report. An application was received from the D.S.C. for permission to obtain a supply of electricity for light and power from the Tramways Company, and was declined, His Worship stating that on receipt of Air Goodman’s report, in a few days, the Council would be in a position to begin negotiations for the supply of elect ricity themselves.

The joint committee of the Ladies’ Benevolent Society and the Auckland Veterans’ Home met in the Municipal Buildings, last Monday. The Mayor, Mr. A. Kidd. M.H.R., occupied the ehair, and there were also present, Messrs AV. Thorne, H. C. Tewsley, W. IL Churton, Mesdames Nelson, Goodall, Mvers, Stevens. Taylor, Keane, and Culpa n. The treasurer, Mr AV. Thorne, presented a statement of the receipts and expenditure in connection with the Floral Fete, showing that gross receipts wore £754 16/6, and the expenditure £2lB 2/10, leaving a net profit of £536 13/8. It was decided to vote £lBO towards the Veterans’ Homo, and the remaining two-thirds of he profit to the Ladies’ T nevolent Society. On the motion of the Mayor, a cordial vote of thanks was accorded the ’.idies’ for their successful organisation of the floral fete. Mr Tewsley, in replv to one of the ladies present, stated that the total previously raised for 1 ■ Veterans’ Home was £760, and a desire was manifested to see the total brought to £lOOO. To assist this end, Mr A. S. Ford, late of H.M. 66th Regiment, handed in a sub-

script ion of £1 ]/ to Mr Tewsley, one of the treasurers of the fund.

After nearly a-quarter of a century’s work at the titles* tangle, which has paralysed developments of hundreds of thousands of acres of good land in Poverty Bay, Mi- W. L. Rees at last looks forward to the consummation of the steps taken to throw these native trust areas open. This consummation will, he hopes, be in the early setting up, under the East Coast Native Trust Lands Act of last session, of a board, in which the lands are to be vested for management and leasing. Mr Rees points out that the appointment of the board was a matter of urgency, as it would have to pay off the mortgages and claims of the Bank of New Zealand within two years of the passing of the Act, and five months had now elapsed. No doubt Cabinet would now make the appointments at an early date. It was easy to see what it would mean to the people of Poverty Bay—native and European alike —and to the development of the district when 250,000 acres of good land pass to the board without requiring deeds or native signatures and the attendant expense, hut. by virtue of the Act, and with indefeasible titles. Of this area the bank’s mortgages cover only 1 Oil.ooo acres, and the stock on them. The area unmortgaged is 140,000 acres, and out of 250,000 acres the area now in use is only about 50,000 acres. Apart from this, other trust lands, 150.000 aeres in area, would probably in three months be vested in the board, and the bulk of it would be available for settlement. About 40.000 acres of this was now in use, so that 110.000 aeres would bo unlocked at no cost to the country. This meant 400,000 aeres opened. 310.000 acres being not now in use. As regards 250,000 acres of trust lands, which will be the board’s -first responsibility, the unpaid interest due to flic bank accruing since 1892. when the question assumed a definite phase in the appointment of trustees (Messrs Carroll and AVi Bern). has attained to very large proportions. The present debt is £ 156,000 to the bank, and about £13,000 to other claims; total, £170,000.

TIDAL WAVE AND HURRICANE. News has only just come to hand of a terrible and devastating tidal wave and hurricane that visited the Society Islands as far back as January 13. Not much is known as yet, but that the wave swept over the islands in an overwhelming mass of water, against which human resource was powerless. The natives had no warning of their impending fate. They had but a few moments to realise that two overwhelming foes were attacking them at once — the hurricane tearing up trees and native dwellings, and the sea sweeping over the land in a remorseless hungry flood. There was no time for those within the reach of the flood to get to a place of safety, and a thousand natives lie dead on the island, which is a mere chaos of fallen trees and the debris of human habitation. The news was given to Reuter’s Agency by the officers of the .Mariposa, the •steamer regularly trading between San Francisco and Tahiti. It is feared the Friendly Islands have

suffered worse than the Society Islands. Eight hundred deaths occurred at Haokikuera and Marakau alone. Eight whites were drowned. Only those who climbed tall trees escaped. The French are provisioning ' the Paumoto Archipelago and other islands.

DEATH OF THE HON. W. ROLLESTON The Hon. Wm. Rolleston died at his home, Rangitata, on Sunday, aged 71. [Deceased was the son of the late Rev George Rolleston, ALA., w-bo for over <5O years was rector of Maltby, near Doncaster, in Yorkshire. His brother, George Rolleston, F.R.8., was the wellknown Professor of Physiology at the University of Oxford. Mr Rolleston was born on September 19, 1831, and was educated at Ronsall School, Lancashire, under the late Dr AA oolley. Entering at Emanuel College, Cambridge, in 1851, he became foundation scholar of his college in the following year. In 1855 he graduated with classical honours. Mr Rolleston emigrated to New Zealand in 1858, and settled near Lake Coleridge. In 1863 he was appointed a member of the Education Commission, which framed the educational system of the province of Canterbury, and in 1864 became provincial secretary and a member of the Canterbury Board of Education. He was subsequently Undersecretary for Native Affairs and Inspector of Native Schools under the colonial Government. Mr Rolleston was Superintendent of the province of Canterbury front 18G8 to 1876. From 1868 to 1884 he was M.H.R. for Avon, and in the latter year was returned for Geraldine. He was a member cf the Hall Government from October 1879 to April, 1882, holding the portfolios of Min-

is ter of Lands. Immigration, Justice, Mines, and Native Affairs, for successive periods. In the AVhitaker and Atkinson administrations which succeeded. he was Minister of Lands, and Alines from April, 1882, to August, 1884. In 1891, on the retirement of Mr John Bryce from the leadership of the Opposition to the Ballance Government, Mr Rolleston was unanimously selected to succeed him.] Mr. Rolleston held the leadership of the Opposition for several years, but in the 1899 election for the House of Representatives he was defeated by Mr. G. AV. Russell, who still holds the seat, by a single vote. A few years ago Mr. Rolleston was thrown from his horse, and he never completely recovered from the injuries sustained. These developed a form of paralysis, and he was bed-ridden for many months before his death. During that lime, however, he took an active interest in public matters, and carried on correspondence with former colleagues and political friends throughout the colony, his daughter acting as amanuensis. The Hon. E. Mitchelson received several letters from him in this way. Mr Rolleston, although identified latterly with the Conservative party, was a genuine Liberal at heart. He is the real author of the system of perpetual lease in New Zealand. As originally framed in his Land Act, there was provision under this system for periodical revaluations, a proviso that the late Sir John McKenzie struck out. Canterbury owes a great deal to Mr. Rolleston’s foresight, he having, when Superintendent of that province, set aside many valuable endowments for public recreation and education, and also with a view of conserving the banks cf the Avon for the public. He was a very warm-hearted man, and will be much lamented by a very wide circle of friends in all parts of the colony.