South Africa.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 247, 26 August 1902, Page 4

South Africa.

London, August 21

The increasing difficulty of obtaining native labour is causing uneasiness at Johannesburg. The repriated Boers are usable to work the farms in consequence. Renter’s Agency estimates that there are only 620,000 natives available for work in South Africa, and'the importation of Chinese is being seriously considered. j August 22. The Limerick Corporation bestows the Freedom of the City on the poor Generals. Mr Lucas Meyer’s funeral has beeil postponed for two months. Possibly the body will be buried at theiCape. ' 1 August 23. Mr Kruger is bitterly disappointed ad the Generals’ determination to loyally adhere to the peace terms. Botha declares that it is 1 the burghers’ duty to respect the laws and become faithful subjects of the King. General De Wet is pressing Dr Leyds for documentary proof of M Dalcasse, French Minister of Foreign Affair*, alleged promise to intervene prior to the issue of the Boer ultimatum.

There are indications that the Boor colony is deserting Brussels for Dresden. The Standard's Brussels correspondent states that Messrs Fischer, Wessels and Wolmaraus intend to take the oath of allegiance and apply for permission to return to South Africa.

The inhabitants of Devon presented General Kokewich with a sword, in recognition of his heroic defence of .Kimberley.

The Hague, August 21.

The Boer Generals had an interview lasting three hours with Mr Kruger at Utrecht. He closely questioned them as to the attitude of the burghers under the new regime, and expressed himself disappointed at the replies. A member of the local committee said he hoped that Boer republics would soon be re-established. The Generals ignored the remark. The extremists in Holland are irritated at their attitude. The Generals have abandoned their tour in Holland, and return to England immediately. De Wet has completed a history of the war, and Botha and De la Rey are writing a preface to it. Capetown, August 21,

The Governor’s speech at the opening of the Cape Parliament announced the introduction of Indemnity Bills covering unauthorised expenditure during the period of martial law. The Progressive members criticise the absence of legislation dealing with the suppression of sedition and the importation of arms. The Afrikander Bond members, as the price of supporting Sir Gordon Sprigg, claim the appointment of a colonial Commission to enquire into the operation of martial law, and award damages on moral and other grounds. The Times says that such a Commission would be a deliberate slight to Great Britain, since Lord Aiversfcone’s Commission has been already appointed.

August 22.

The Progressive members of the Cape Parliament deposed Sir Gordon Sprigg, and elected Dr Smartt as leader of the party.

The Natal Witness states that the town of Wakkerstroom will be excluded from the Transvaal territory which was ceded to Natal.

Another 1000 Boers have left St. Helena for the Cape. Sir Gordon Sprigg states that £270,000 has already been paid as compensation for Gape Colony war losses. Britain had contributed £200,000. Neither Britain nor the Cape intend to compensate losses through the second invasion or subsequent rebellion.

Mistress : “Do you call this sponge cake ? Why, it’s as hard as can be. New cook: “ Yes, mum ; that’s the way a sponge is before it’s wet. Soak ik in your tea, mum.” The cabman : “ Gimme your bag, lady, and I’ll put it on the top of the cab.” Mrs Oatcake (as she get* in) : “ No; that poor horse of yours has got enough to pull. I’ll carry it in my lap.” “ Why, Johnnie, I’m ashamed of you. How could you take little Ethel’s half of the apple away from her?” “’Cause, ma, I haven’t forgotten what you told me—to always take sister’s part.” Husband of the gifted writer: “Is your novel nearly done?” Gifted writer: “Yes, my dear; but my hero must die, you know.” “ Well, after he’s dead, will you sew this button on for me ?”

Green : “ Did you see Jones when he came in from fishing ?” Brown : “ Yes ; I was close to the boat.” Green : “Were there any fish lying about him?'' Brown: “No; Jones was lying about the fish."

Fred : “1 have had a stroke of good luck ; my uncle has died and left me a handsome legacy.” Paul: “ Well, you’re been leaving so many things at your uncle’s lately that it is time be left something to you.”

Gabb : “ Stretchit told me that he once saw four hens’ egos which weighed a pound each," Blabb ;“ I think its an ins auce of eggs-aggaration."

A social custom in Paraguay requires a gentleman to kiss every lady to whom he is introduced, Paraguay, though, is too far from hero for Sunday excursions.

Charlie : “ People think that 1 am cold-hearted ! But 1 have high ideals. 1 love the beautiful, the tender, the true." Mabel: “Say no more, Charlie. You may ask papa.” “ A financier is a man who makes lots of money, isn’t he father?” “No, Freddy ; a financier is a mm who gets hold of lots of money that other people make,"