South Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 11 August 1900, Page 2

South Africa.

« (From the Cape Times of 27th June.) Shortly after the occupation of Bloemfontein by the British forces under Lord Roberts, that distinguished leader himselt reviewed the Highland Brigade. Hearing that one of the Seaforths had been, with him on his famous march, he asked to see the man. A grizzled old warrior stepped from the ranks, a-nd was honoured with a handshake • from the FieldMarshal, who also desired to know if the «• kiltie " could go through the came experience aigain. " Ay, sir, I think I could," ?was the prompt answer. .

The prices realised for the " luxuries of life" in the Remoter partsof the. Free State while the troops passed through were in' some cases fairly high. At Wepener a box of wooden matches changed hands at 2s 6d., a packet of cigarettes 55., and a small piece of tobacco at the same price. Lucky the c-v'i-i who did no* worship at the shrine 2 f '' My Lad* Nicotine." Traveller's '<>y t;v: v railway from the cape to Bloemfontein cannot fail to marvel at the vast amount of traffic carried 7 on over a single line. Day and { night without intermission, the iron/ monsters thunder along, now rolling in at a siding to allow a train to pass in the opposite direction, and again waiting an hour, or perhaps a half, to allow the passage of a train * of which the telegraph has given due warning. The railway staff must be

working at full stretch to secure such a satisiactory state of things: but, with one regrettable exception, no accident of any consequence has occurred to mar the good work that is being done.

When the war is finished, and the troops are being mobilised for shipment Home, it is certain that a very large number will remain behind. Of these, I know that a large number of Australians and New Zealanders will apply for their discharges. During their progress through the country they have seen many places where they could with profit take up farming and stock-raising. It is to the latter branch that most incline, and with a knowledge of this country and its climate to supplement their present store of practical knowledge, they should prove very valuable settlers indeed.