SOUTH AFRICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 808, 24 January 1903, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICA.

THE LABOR QUESTION,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Capetown, Jan. 22,

At Ja conference between tho Rand mining leaders and Mr Chamberlain a proposal was made to Mr Chamberlain that tho Government should import five thousand English navvies on condition that the mines engaging a similar number at four shillings a day besides their keep. The Government navvies would go to tho railway works, thus releusing natives for employment in the mines. The leaders doubted the shareholders’ willingness to try the experiment. Mr Chamberlain promised to recommend tho Foreign Oflico to open up Uganda and all other British African provinces excepting Nairodi for tho recruiting of natives.

The trustees of Mr Cecil Rhode l1 ’ estate, tho firm of Wornbeir, Beit and Company, and Mr Abe Bailey, a well known Johannesburg millionaire, have provided thirty-three thousand pounds for tho establishment of an agricultural college in connection with irrigation works at Colesburg. About one hundred and forty thousand acres will bo acquired in the Orange colony. Tho idea is to briug sixteen thousand acres undor cultivation, thereby providing a living for one thousand settlers and their families. All the profits above five per cent, will be devoted to the requirements of the settlers.