AFRICA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 12, 16 September 1908, Page 8

AFRICA.

The repatriation of Chinese who were engaged for labour in the Rand mines Is proceeding steadily. Only 17,000 now temain. The Capo Legislative Assembly has adopted Mr Jaggers’ resolution in favour Of a scheme ofcloaer settlement OD **>«> lines adopted in Australia, " ’

At It Again. The Somali Mullah lias raided friendly native villages, stolen 160 camels, and killed two men in the mounted corps in the British Protectorate. The last raid of the Mullah was made upon territory under the protectorate of the Italian Government. On that occasion the dervishes entered the territory of the Sultan of Obbia and killed fortyone men, twenty-eight women, and thirtyone children. They also carried away 3500 head of cattle. The dervishes numbered 1500, of whom about 500 were armed with rifles. Revolution in Morocco. Following vehement preparations on both sides Colonel Alix, in charge of 5000 French troops last week left Budenib to attack 20,000 Moors encamped at Ajorf. The enemy in full strength attacked Colonel Alix's front and flanks, and inado several attempts to get round Colonel Alix's rear. Rapid and accurate artillery fire checked the rushes of the enemy, and prevented the mfrom getting near the infantry lines. After several hours’ obstinate engagement the enemy was routed with heavy loss, and abandoned their camp, tents, and provisions. They were hotly pursued in several directions. Twenty-two of the French were wounded. The Berbers suffered 2000 casualties. Dr. Vassel (the German Consul) informed a meeting of notables at Alcazar that Mulai Hafid (the new Sultan) could rely upon the whole-hearted co-operation of Germany. Germany, he declared, meant to see that the integrity of the country was maintained, and would help Mulai Hafid out of his present difiiculties. Possible trouble is feared as the result of Germany, through its Legation, requesting the Moorish Government to release Raid Ermiki, one of the first northern Governors who adopted the Hafidian cause. The Moorish Government replied that the Raid was solely a Moorish official, not a protege, and that Germany was overstepping her rights. The German excuse is that the Raid served Mulai Hafid’s interests well. Reuter’s correspondent at Tangier reports that Mtuqui (an adherent of Abdul Aziz), who recently defeated the forces commanded by El Glasi, his brother, commanding Mulai Halid’s forces, has entered Marrakesh and proclaimed Abdul Aziz Sultan. Mtuqui requests Abdul Aziz to enter the city also, as otherwise he will proclaim another shereef Sultan.