The Transvaal.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 209, 29 May 1902, Page 1

The Transvaal.

London, May 25, The “ Times ” stales that the Boers desire fuller explanations or further con* cessions. While there are substantial grounds to hope for peace, it would bs premature to assume that there is an iramediate agreement on all the chief points within sight.

Fouche's commando was attacked bacause he refused to send a representative to the Yereening Conference.

Everything is in readiness for an unusually vigorous campaign if the negotatious fail.

Mr Brodrick states that 20,000 troops were despatched to South Africa during the last six weeks.

Mr Seddon, speaking at the banquet at Pretoria, expressed the hope that the blockhouses would soon be turned into creameries and butter factorh s. May 26, A number of Boers assembled in Market Square, Pretoria on Saturday, expecting a declaration of peace. Commandant Visagie and his «ommando have surrendered at Balmoral. Tiie “ D..ily Mail ” declares that no. thing stands in the way of peace, and that it is expected that the Government will make, in the House of Common* on Tuesday, an announcement showing that tm-y have aatisfic orilyani inflexibly maintained the British position.

The G vernme.it’sr licence in reference Do the p ogress of the peace negotiations is interpie el to aim ar, lire discouragement of pie nature jubilation, !• st the fact f-hou’d reach the enemy.

Mr Seddon’a speech at Pretoria recommended South Africa to adopt New Zeaand laws. The time was ripe for the importation of Australian stock. It was imperative f r the empi e to take me»ruresfor self protection, in order to retain" bupn nvu-y in trade, which threatened a greater danger than i/ar. With preferential Wile the colonics would bo able to greatly case the burdens of taxpayers, by giving them the trade of Britain. May 27. Replying to the C>ptown Corporaddress of welcome, Mr Seddon said tb.at be fell that peace was not far away. He advocated a colonial open door for B itish product". A contribute d article to the Daly News argues that Australasia ought to offer £29,000,000, and Canada £34,000, 000, towards the war, which is coating £238,000,000.

Wellington, May 26

Si'r Joseph Ward has received the fallowing cable message from Mr Seddon, dated Orange River, May 24th, 1,25 p.m. “ I inspected ihe Ninth Contingent at Yereeniging yesterday. The officers, men, and horses are all well. The Con. tingent are disappointed at not yet having had a brush with the enemy. The officer commanding the column jspoke highly of them. I gave the men a short address, and the latest New Zealand news. All along the line I have been well received. At Bloemfontein an illuminated address was presented by the Borough, exprei* 1 sing great satisfaction at New Zealand’ action in South Africa, and the prospect of Imperial Federation. I made a short stay at i)e Aar, and was met by the Midland Railway Commissioner. The Director- General of Railways accompanies us right through, but I have nothing to learn on railway questions. The peace negotiations-ire satisfactorily opening, and no further Contingents are required.” Albant, May 27.

Owing to alleged numerous robberies, including three boats and jewellery valued at £2O from a hotel, the Aurania’e troops have not been allowed ashore since Friday. Prior to the departure of the steamer yesterday, it is understood that the offirer commanding was fur nisbed with claims for compensation tola ling between £4OO and £3OO. It is considered that if proved the authorities will make the men as a body pay.