THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8762, 13 March 1907, Page 2

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Botha to be Present

Press Association—Copyright.

Pretoria, March 12.

Bothaj speaking at a banquet at Pretoria, declared that the Boers were so deeply grateful to the King, the British Government, and the people, for their generous granting of a free constitution that British interests would be absolutely-safe in their hands. They would, he said, bo zealous for the honour of the flag. He also declared that he would try to create a united South Africa, and try by all means in his power to help the mines, while resisting attempts by powerful corporations to prevent prospecting the country. The Boers did not intend to reduce the natives to a servile state, but would encourage them to become useful and contented workers. He announced that he intended to attend the Colonial Conference. A White Book has been issued containing Lord Elgin's reasons for not acceding to the request of the Aus-. tralian States for separato representation at the Imperial Conference.