General News.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4785, 10 May 1884, Page 2

General News.

It is now well known (the " Electrical Review" says) that Professor Bell is no longer credited with the invention of the telephone in the United States of America. Indeed, his patents in that country are {apparently in danger of being entirely overthrown. The chief claimant to the invention of the telephone is now one Daniel Drawhaugh, who clearly forestalled Bell in all points by seTerai years. From Cape files recently to hand, we learn that mining prospects are' looking brighter in South Africa. A petition has been presented, ah^grJßat pressure has been brought to bear upon the Govern ment, to throw open the &aap Valley, in the Transvaal, for agriculture and mining. The extent of land in the valley is about one and three-quarter million acres, and a [great part of it is richly auriferous. i Tenders have been called for the transport of *400 tons ' of mining ma- ■ chinery from Cape Town to the Transvaal. It is reported that a nugget, weighing 27lbs, was discovered in tha same district. Memorials are being signed all through the Transvaal to urge tbe Gov* oynmont to throw open the country for mining ; and if the information concerning the extent and richness of the country can be relied upon, there is a prosperous future in store for the British Colonies in South Africa. Lately gold to the value of £3;189 was shipped to England from Cape Tqwa alone. The Kimberley dia. laond fields are not exhausted yet either, although such finds as formerly ruled are not now hit upon. The smallest pony known is the pet of the Baroness Burdett-Coutts-Bartlett, the richest woman in England. The pony stands, only l§in high and is five years old. The salary of the American President is £20,000 a year. Queen Victoria's income, including the returns from her property, amounts to £600,000, while the Emperor of Germany and King of Italy are each in receipt of a much larger sum. Catabbh o? 3MB Blakdbb.--.Stinging irritation, inflammation, all Sidney and B;mijlar. Po/nplaints, cured by" Buchu«paiba." —Blose*/ Mobb aud Co. Sydu&y* 6ten»r»| Apenti, '