SOUTH AFRICA

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume VIII, Issue 1, 1 April 1903, Page 79

SOUTH AFRICA

Mr. Chamberlain has returned from his South African tour, and received the congratulations of the nation for the manner in which he has carried out his responsible duties there. He has acquired a grasp of the situation which will assist materially in the settlement of. all questions which may hereafter arise. He speaks very hopefully of the future, and augurs much from the co-operation of the Boers. The process of reinstating them on

their farms is going on apace, some hundred thousand being already settled, and altogether matters look much more promising than one might reasonably expect considering so short a time has elapsed since peace was proclaimed. Mr. Chamberlain's advice not to refuse selfgovernment, if both British and Boers desire it, is good, but it will undoubtedly be well if they recognize that it will be to the advantage of all to be satisfied with Crown Colony government until they have had time to shake down comfortably together. It is pleasing to note the great statesman's remark that the surplus of the two Colonies for !,1904 will very considerably exceed the charges on the loans required ; a position rarely attained by conquered countries in the past.