AFRICA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 6, 10 February 1909, Page 8

AFRICA.

Diniznln s Trial. The paramount Zulu chief, Dinizulu, who is being tried before a special Court at Greytown on a charge of high treason in connection with the revolt under Bambaata in 1907, completed his evidence last week. Accused was in the box for eleven successive days. A Horrible Sentence. A French officer, by smartly seizing a would-be assassin’s dagger, saved the life of Mulai llafid, Sultan of Morocco. The Sultan ordered the offender to be flogged to death. United South. Africa. The Federated. South African Convention reached a complete agreement on Wednesday last, and rose on Thursday. Though no official communication has yet been made, the news is confirmed that Capetown is to be the seat of legislature and Pretoria of administration. The draft constitution was completed three weeks ago, except the preamble and the site of the capital. After a discussion extending over a week, the Natal and Orangia delegates, being persuaded that they had no claim, left the decision in the hands of their, colleagues from the Transvaal and Cape Colony, all compromises, including the suggestion of a neutral site, being rejected. The delegates were physically and mentally wearied by the interminable and apparently futile discussion. Delegates now propose to address meetings in their respective centres, and expound the constitution, which will be submitted simultaneously to special sessions of Parliaments at the end of March. Afterwards tho Convention assembles again to consider amendments, and, assuming that there arc no insurmountable obstacles, the Imperial Parliament will

pass an Act upon the petitions of the South African. Parliaments-, and it possible. that union may be accomplished next year. The compromise has been, received without enthusiasm in Capetown, aud ia regarded as unworkable. The Right Hon. Louis Botha is liopeful of the acceptance of the new. proposals.