Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 27 August 1896, Page 2

Africa.

The Hon Cecil Rhodes, accompanied by one or two officers of white iroops. who were not armed, met six of the principal chiefs of the Matabele natives. The latter included two brothers of Lobengula, and these, with 84 indunas from tha Matoppe Hills, carried on negotiations for five hours. The chiefs complained of the conduct of the native police in Matabeleland ; also as to that of one of the prominent officials of the Chartered Company. They docSarcd tbftt if Mr iihodei stayed and protected the

natives there would be no more fighting.

Mr Rhodes blamed the Matabele for the murder of the white women and children in the isolated districts, and stated that the police against whom the complaints were made were now disbanded and that the official of the company complained of had left the service. In conclusion, Mr Rhodes asked : " Was it to be peace or war ?" In reply, the chiefs laid their guns and assegais at the feat of Mr Rhodes, and promised that there would be no further molestation of roads or coaches. They also promised that the native canip3 in the Matoppo Hills would be broken up in a few days. There is a great rejoicing in Biilawayo over the result of the negotiations.

Lord Grey wires that as the result of the negotiations between the Hon. CecilJJhodes and the Matabele, the war is over. «