Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 30 April 1896, Page 2

Africa.

On Saturday's engagement be* tween Lieutenant Napier's column and the Matabele. The rebels attacked in a cresent form similar to the Zulus, but were driven into tho bush. Massed on a ridge the Hotchkiss and Maxim guns caused great havoc, and skirmishers completed the defeat of the natives after a desperate struggle. The attack was intended as a crushing blow on Buluwayo. The rebels lost 500, and the British two. President Kruger objects to a discussion on the question of reforms on the grounds that Great Britain cannot interfere, aad that if the latter is unwilling to diacuis the revision of the Convention, without reforms, he prefers that matten should remain unchanged. Referring to the demand for an indemnity for Jameson's raid, he states that he does not require a guarantee against any foreign at* tack. The acceptance of the Trans* vaal basis of discussion of the matter would facilitate his visit to England, but at present it was necessary to postpone that visit. A great scheme for the emigration of Dutch labourers to the Transvaal is being organised at Amsterdam. Four thousand natives Are assembled at Mayen. The garrison at Gwelo is waiting for reinforcements before attacking. Mr Chamberlain, replying to President Kruger's statements, expresses himself confident that by patience and tact a satisfactory solution of the present difficulty is to be found. Having considered it the wiser course not to press for Herr Kruger'a visit at the present time, the Government has withdrawn the invitation, and summoned Sir Hercules Robinson, Governor of Cape Colony, to London to confer on South Afrioan affairs. The Standard

gives publicity to a statement that it is believed that Sir Hercules RobinSoii will not return to Cdpe Colony. At the trial of the Reform Committee in connection with the Jameson raid, Hammond pleaded guilty of .treason and Simpson of lest They said they deplored the. mis* take of inviting Jameson, and tried to prevent it.