South Africa.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 227, 10 July 1902, Page 1

South Africa.

London, July 7. Genet als Botha and De Wet, and other Roer leaders, are writing a history of the war. The Daily Express states that a deputation of discharged Canadians and Australian troopers besieged the Town Council at Capetown, demanding assistance, alleging that they were stranded and penniless. The Council provided them civilian employment until troopships, are available.

Mr Chamberlain, replying to the petition inaugurated by Mr William Runciman, member for Simonstown in the Cape Parliament, and signed by 42 of what are known as Imperial Progressive members in favour of the suspension of the Cape Constitution, said that the signatories formed a minority of both Houses. The request to suspend the Constitution was asking him to take an unprecedented step which ought only to be taken as incontrovertible proof that the continuance of constitutional government was a danger to the colony and to peace. Moreover, the request could only bo granted after a resolution had been carried by the Cape Parliament. The latter ought to be summoned at the earliest possible date, pass an Act of indemnity, and consider registration, with the object of effecting pacification. He hoped that many former sympathisers with rebellion would frankly and cordially cooperate with others towards' pacification. To agree to the petition would produce .discontent and agitation instead of allaying race hatred. After Mr Chamberlain’s reply was made known a great meeting was held in Sir Gordon Sprigg’s constituency of East London, and voted by a large majority for suspension of the Constitution,

The police at Johannesburg arrested a number of chiefs for inciting natives to leave their work. The “boys” tried to rescue their leaders. The ringleaders of the rescuers were fined, and the chiefs sent to prison. The excuse given was that the trouble was caused by tiie pour wages ruling, compared with the pay received in war time. Several discharged colonials have becu arrested in Capetown and Durban on charges of rioting. The local newspapers strongly condemn their excesses, and regret that their distinguished rcco; ds in the field have been tarnished by disgraceful scenes at seaports. Sir Edmund Barton is inquiring into the matter. He believes that the Australians concerned a;e irregulars, and not connected with any of the contingents. The Times says that the Government’s weighty decision not to suspend the Cape Constitution gives an opportunity of passing legislation which Mr Chamberlain declares is indispensable to the maintenance of British interests. The decision is based on a feeling that it would be wrong to assume that the colonial Parliament did not heed patriotism. The good sense, votes, and speeches of both parties would speedily show whether the misgivings concerning the decision are or are not unfounded.

The Standard says that it is perhaps a choice bei,..een two dangers, and that it is to bo hoped that the colonial representatives will show that generous confidence is not misplaced. In the House of Lords, Lord Onslow stated that prisoners not declaring their acceptance as the King’s subjects would not bo allowed to return to South Africa. Capetown’, duly 7.

The fire at Lorenzo Marques, Delagoa Bay, is suspected to be the result of incendiarism. The fire is still burning. The fire brigade was powerless, as appliances were wanting. One million eight hundred thousand bales of Government forage were destroyed. A few thousand bales of oats were saved. Kruger’s statue, intended for Pretoria, narrowly escaped. One thousand tons of timber and general stores are endangered. _ Lisbon, July 7.

The Argentine agent here takes several Boer families to Patagonia. The remainder have signed allegiance to Great Britain, and are returning to South Africa. Hobart, July 7.

The Ruapehu sailed for New Zealand at 7 o’clock yesterday morning. Her passengers include 24 returned New Zealand soldiers. Wellington, July 7.

The Britannia left Durban for Albany, Melbourne, and Wellington on the 6th July, and is due at Albany on the 21st and Melbourne on the 28th July. She has on board for New Zealand about 85 of the Tenth Contingent, some of the Ninth, and the whole of the Eighth.