THE TRANSVAAL

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 490, 21 September 1899, Page 2

THE TRANSVAAL

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] (I!Y ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. COPYRIGHT). Capetown, September 19. Mr Rhitz declines that the Government, the Raad, and the burghers are unanimously agreed that further decisions *ha!l be taken in conjunction with the Orange Free State. Two thousand troops are proceeding to Kimberley. Transvaal spies are infesting the border towns. * The Boers are forwarding quantities of compressed forage to the Na'al frontier. Thirty leading Kaffir stocks have depreciated forty-five million sterling since the beginning of June. IJQNrON, September 18 Four British cruisers at Malta are ready to proceed to Delagoa Bay. September 19. The Times warns the Government against the procrastination of indecisive negotiations, which will provoke a strong reaction in Natal and Capa Colony. Bloemfontein, September 18. There is a great exodus of residents from here. September 19. Six British policemen here have been dismissed for refusing to obey commands. Sydney, September 19. The Cabinet has considered the question of sending troops to the Transvaal, but decided to await developments. Major General French, Commandant of the Forces, urges that preliminary arrangements should be completed, or it will be too late when war is declared. He expects that England will undertake the cost of transit.

Melbourne, September 19. The Minister for Defence says if the colonies are acting together in sending a combined contingent to the Transvaal, Victoria certainly will not hang back. The probability of war has had a hardening effect on the produce market. Further considerable orders for South Africa have been placed. Fotage is specially in demand. Arrangements are completed for shipping 1000 tons. There is also a strong demand for gold on behalf of the Imperial authorities. Brisbane, September 19. In the expectation that England will immediately request the despatch of Queensland troops if war is declared, the equipment of tbe mounted infantry contingent is proceeding. Stores and horses are being obtained. (Received- September 20, 9.10 a.m.). Melbourne, September 20.

The Minister for Defence suggests that the Australian contingent to the Transvaal should consist of 1000 picked men, Queensland, New South Wales, New Zealand and Victoria each sending 200, the balance being made up from the three other colonies.

The Commandant suggests sending 500 mounted and 1000 infantry men. He says hostilities will probably be commenced by the Boers crossing the frontier into Natal, They hav.e delayed fighting in order to get grass for their horses and get together stores and ammunition. (Received September 20, 9.30 a.m.). Pretoria, .September 19. There are persistent rumours here that President Kruger has sent Mr Greene another conciliatory despatch. Sir Alfred Milner has issued a proclamation, threatening penalties for inciting natives to rebel. President Kruger is angry with the Afrikander party, owing to tha attitude of the leaders in regard to Mr Chamberlain's despatch, and coolness has resulted. London, September 19.

The Daily Telegraph states that the first battalion of the Liverpool regiment has been ordered to Laing's Neck to protect the railway tunnel through which the train passes from Natal into the Transvaal.

Nmv Y'obk, September 19. Great Britain lias ordered a supply of waggons and ambulances from firms in Ohio' and is negotiating for the purchase of 100 pack mules in Louisville.