SOUTH AFRICA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9088, 5 March 1908, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

THE QUESTION OF PROTECTION. Press Association —Copyright. Received March 4, 10.5 p.m. Pretoria, March 4. Mr Botha declared that the farmers’ request for the reimposition of protection against all neighbouring States was absolutely impossible. He would rather resign than surrender his principles. He thought that some day the duty on oversea goods might be increased, but freetrade with the Cape and Natal must continue. The speech has produced friction between the Ministry and the Hetvolb party.

THE GAPE DEFICIT. ONE PARLIAMENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA. Received March 5,8.2 a a.m. Capetown, March 4. Mr Merriman, Cape Premier, speaking at Victoria West, announced a deficit of £3,000,000. The chief efforts of Government would be directed, he said, next session to the increase of taxation in order to make the colony solvent. Referring to the necessity of closer union of the States, Mr Merrimau said that South Africa was over-governed and was unable to stand the expense. Personally ho favoured one Parliament for the whole of South Africa.