BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2478, 28 February 1881, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[Reuter’s Agency.j

The Basuto Ultimatum. London, Feb. 25. In the House of Commons to-day, the Eight Hon Grant Duff,Under-Secretary for the Colonies, in reply to a question, said that the negotations which have been proceeding between the Cape forces and the Basutos for the complete cessation of hostilities had failed. At the same time he stated that the Government regretted the severity of the terms of peace which had been proposed by the Cape Government. The Coercion Bill Passed. In the House of commons to-day the Irish Coercion Bill came under final consideration, and was read a third time and passed. Sir George Colley Sues for Peace. Cape Town, Feb. 25. Telegrams are to hand to-day from Sir George Colley, announcing, that he has commenced a parley with the leaders of the Boer forces, with a view to an understanding being arrived at and the cessation of the war being brought about. Information has been received from the Orange Free State that the Yolksraad has passed an address expressing sympathy with the Transvaal Boers and hoping that England will comply with any reasonable demands which they may make. Feb. 26. Hews comes to hand from Natal that a report has reached there that the Boers had made an attack on Wakderstroom and succeeded iu capturing it, but were eventually driven out by the British troops, who are now again in occupation. The news requires confirmation.