FIGHTING IN THE TRANSVAAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1770, 31 July 1888, Page 1

FIGHTING IN THE TRANSVAAL.

Capetown, July 26. A largo force of Boers invaded Kharoe’s territory in the Transvaal, and a severe engagement took place with the natives. Mr Shephard, the British Resident, has proceeded to the scene of the outbreak for ihe purpose of making inquiry into the matter, and President Kroger has been invited to send a delegate to represent the Republic and confer with Mr Shephard. Sir Hercules Robinson has received a cable message from the Imperial Government directing him to intimate to the Transvaal Executive that the districts of the Matabele, Masunn, Makalaka, and the country between the northern part of Khame’s and the Zambesi will bo placed under British control. July 27. President Kruger has given Mr Shephard, the British Resident, assurances that be will observe a strict neutrality as regards Zululand. | The new British territory is an important stretch of country, the principal portion being what is usually known as Matabeleiand. This is situate between Limpopo and Middle Zambesi Rivers, north of the Transvaal and Bechuanaland. It is mountainous and known to contain gold. It is interesting from the fact that it contains many ancient rains, testifying to the former presence of 0 civilised people. The most recent explorers seem to have found proof that these were Phoenician. The country was conquered fifty years ago by King Moselekatse and a Zulu army, the native tribes—Masbona (or Masuna) and Makalaka—being subdued and incorporated, and a military despotism set up on tbe model of Cbaka’s in Zululand. This endures under Lo Benguelo, successor of Moselekats-, The Boers have been “ trekkiing ” into this country from the Transvaal for some lime, and this cause, together with its proximity to the British Protectorate, and its reported auriferous wealth, has probably had lo do with the present step on the pari of the British Government, The king is an absolute antucra!, and the people are said lo be numerous, warlike, well-armed, and welhJfiiled.—Exchange,]