AFRICA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 9, 26 August 1908, Page 7

AFRICA.

The National Convention, which is to consider the question of closer union, is to sit at Durban in October. Diuizulu, the Zulu head chief, now awaiting trial for treason, burst a blood vessel. His condition is serious, but not critical. A band of ruffians, armed with bludgeons, attacked two traincars in Cairo at midnight, and wounded and robbed many of the passengers. Natal Taxation Legislation. The Natal Taxation Bill imposes a graduated tax on incomes, with one shilling as the maximum for incomes exceeding £lOOO per annum. A tax of three-halfpence in the £ is imposed on land owned by absentee landlords. Asiatic Labour. Following an interview between the Asiatic leaders and Mr. Louis Botha (Premier of the Transvaal) and Mr. Smuts (Colonial Secretary), the Voluntary Registration Validation Bill has been withdrawn, and the registration question has been referred to a select committee of the Assembly. The Larisuago Question. The Legislative Council of the Orange River Colony lias rend a second time a bill placing the English and Dutch languages on an equal footlag as media of instruction in the State schools. A similar enactment has already passed the Transvaal Assembly, which has gone a step further and hae passed an Act under which any Government official may be discharged if, on being required so to do, he. fails to acquire the English or Dutch language within twelve months. South African Moil Service. The South African colonies are unitedly inviting mail tenders for a 13J days' service from Southampton to Capetown, the subsidy to be increased by the Admiralty, which will be entitled to purchase or hire the liners. Future of tlie Congo. Tho arrangements in connection with the annexation of the Congo include the payment of two million pounds sterling by King Leopold of Belgium. The ‘'Times” urges the signatory Powers to insist before confirming the annexation on the abolition of veiled forms of slavery and forced labour. It is difficult to carry out the Belgium promises, it is added, because the native lands have been seized, and therefore compelled to pay taxes by forced labour. Tim “Times” also says the Powers should insist on freedom of trade being promised to all nations. The Congo Reform Association of the United States is urging Mr. Elihu Root to insist on the introduction of free trade and the abolition of forced labour.