Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 28 July 1896, Page 2

Africa.

The Matabela natives attacked Laing'a laager at daybreak, hoping to effect a surprise. They fought fiercely, bat were repulsed with the loss of 90. The British loss was 12 killed and wounded, but the friendly natives lost 48.

The rebels attacked friendly natives at Gwai River, and killed 20.

The people in Bulawayo were, unable to send help, as General Carnngton is employing every man that is available in the operations at Matoppo Hills. In a Blue Book, the Hon W. P. Schreiner, Attorney-General, publishes a memorandum, in which he states that on December 80th, Geoil Rhodes, in referring to the Transvaal raid, said : — " Jameson hag upset my apple-cart — 20 years a friend, and ruins me 1"

The Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted the report of the committee to the effect that Cecil Rhodes directed and controlled Jameson's raid.

The Chartered Company's books showed that Rhodes' cheques were oovered by an account styled " new concession " for £31,500, and that he also met Wolff's and White's advances for the purpose of the raid. The London directors explain that before the raid an advance of only £1000 was advised, and they believed the " new concession " referred to Bechuanaland.

The Legislative Assembly has recommended that an additional defence force of 8000 men at the annual cost of £40,000 per year. It is reported that Major-General Carrington will not again enter the Matoppo Hills, bat will build forts, with a view to surround the rebels.

The latter easily made their escape, though they showed signs of a desiit

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to remain and fight. The struggle at Lang's Laager lasted for five hours, the rebels coming within five yards of the defenoe.

In his speech at the Cordwainers' dinner, Mr Chamberlain said that to release the native prisoners in Matabeland would be the best means of spreading the news that pardon had been offered to the leaders of the revolt.