SOUTH AFRICA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 45, 2 June 1910, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

LORD SELBORNE'S, MESSAGE. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. London, May 31. Lord Selborne, late High Commissioner in South Africa, sent a message bidding God-speed to the people of South Africa. " May they never," he said, forget what they owe to the sea. There is always a danger of an inland people losing the sea sense. If South Africa should lose command <jl the sea a hostile Tower would only med to occupy the ports, and the economic and political pressure thus brought to bear would be intolerable."

LORD GLADSTONE TAKES THE OATH. Capetown, May 31. Lord and Lady Gladstone, members of the Cabinet, mid a large congregation, attended a special service in Pretoria Cathedral. Thence the GovernorGeneral, the Minister*, the Lord Chief Justice, and the Judges marched"in procession to the Legislative Assembly. The gathering presented a sombre appearance owing to t'he prevalence of mourning. The commission appointing Lord Gladstone was read in English and Dutch. Lord Gladstone, who was sworn as High Commissioner at Capetown on May 19, now took the oath as GovernorGeneral, and the oaths were then administered to the Cabinet. Both Lord and Lady Gladstone created a good impression. AUSTRALIAN CONGRATULATIONS. Melbourne, June 1. Mr. Fisher, Federal Minister, and the State Premier sent cables of congratulation to Lord Gladstone on the accomplishment of the South African Union. IMPORTANT APPOINTMENTS. MESSAGE FROM THE KING. Received June 1, 11.5 p.m. Capetown, June 1. Sir Richard Solomon, Agent-General of the Transvaal, has been appointed High Commissioner in London for United South Africa, and Sit J. H. De Villiers, Chief Justice of Cape Colony, has been' imade Chief Justice of the South African Supreme Court. King George has conferred a baronetcy on Justice De Villiers. King George, in a message to the South African people, says it is his earnest, strong, and confident hope that the new Constitution will, under Divine Providence, further the highest welfare of S'outh Africa and add strength to' the lEm.pire. Civic services to . celebrate the union were held at the burban and Maritzburg Town Halls. THE PRESS DISAPPOINTED. The Natal Advertiser says that the union had been affected by guile and deception, but British doggedness will triumph. The Natal Mercury is profoundly disappointed with General Botha, who betrayed the trust to the British. The Cape Times declares that the presence of Messrs. Hertzog and Fischer in the Cabinet impairs the whole-hearted confidence whieh was desirable.