South Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 28 February 1903, Page 2

South Africa.

FAREWELL BANQUET TO MR CHAMBERLAIN. Mr Chamberlain was entertained at a farewell banquet, which was attended by 400 guests (including Mr Hofmeyr, the leader of the Afrikander Bond). Mr Chamberlain said it was too early to state the results of his unprecedented mission. South African interests required 'federation, though the Colonial Office would not interfere. Since reconciliation was proceeding apace in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony why should it not do so in the Cape? If Lord Milner’s firm and sympathetic policy continued those colonies would become the most prosperous in the Empire, though the Cape remained at a point oLdanger. Recent incidents gave the Cape a new era, especially since the Progressives had accepted Mr Hofmeyr’s authoritative assurances as sincere.

The decision with regard to the amnesty, proceeded Mr Chamberlain, rested with the colonial, not with the Imperial Government. He hoped such a good, feeling would prevail as would justify clearing the Slate by releasing all political offenders. He advocated Imperial, not local, patriotism.

Mr Chamberlain concluded his speech amidst great cheering.

CHARGE OF MURDERING AN OFFICER.

Comraandanb Barend Celliers haa been acquitted at "Bloemfontein o_n a charge of shooting Lieutenant Boyle, a captured British officer, in January, 1901. General De Wet testified that Mr Philip Botha expressed himself strongly against Boyle, but he was not aware that Botha ordered him to be shot. He might have done So. AMNESTY FOR REBELS The “ Standard ” states that Mr Chamberlain recommends a general amnesty being granted in South Africa, but not re-enfranchiaement, as a'graceful ending to his visit. “ The Times ” declares that if any statesman inspiring less confidence that Mr Chamberlain had recommended an amnesty Britain would have regarded the step with misgiving. Certainly the act is one of generous boldness, bordering on temerity. THE AFRIKANDER BOND. The Afrikander Bond will summon an assembly of Dutch ministers with a view of promoting Mr Hofmeyr’s conciliatory declaration. It is reported at Johannesburg that Generals Botha and De la Bey and Mr Smuts really declined seats on the Transvaal Legislative Council owing to the presence on it of Andriea Gronje, of the National Scouts, LORD MILNER, The “ Daily Mail ” states that Lord Milner has latterly been indisposed, but he has now improved. He will take a short holiday in Ehgland after the Bloemfontein conference in March. A SPLIT IN THE DUTCH CHURCH.

As the result of an influential meeting of loyalist Boers and pastors in the Western Transvaal, it has been resolved, owing to the attitude o! the Dutch Reformed Church, to form a separate Church.