BRITISH ENTERPRISE IN AFRICA.

Waikato Times, Volume XL, Issue 3210, 21 January 1893, Page 2 (Supplement)

BRITISH ENTERPRISE IN AFRICA.

An interesting report on the progress made in the development of Mashonaland and other African territories was issued recently by the directors nf the British South African Company, preparatory to the annual nicetiug of shareholder*. The report I*3 for the year ending March last, arid states. that there arc now nearly eight thousand shareholders inthe company—nearly double the number for the corresponding period of last year. It states that arrangements have been made for the construction of the section from Voyburg to Ufalting of the northward extension of the colonial railway, which will entitle the company to eight 'thousand square miles of land inthe Crown Colony of British Bccbuanaland, or over one-third of the area of the entire colony. The telegraph was completed to Port Salisbury in February last, at a total cost of £02,000; and up to 31st August last messages representing one million and a half of words had been transmitted, yielding a net revonue of upwards of £4OOO, or four per cent, on the capital invested, An excellent weekly postal scrrire for passengers and mails-has been estahlisl fid throughout Maslwnaland. The company's police force now numbered 40 white men and 35 native?, The defence nf the country wsw provided for by a well equipped and thoroughly ellici«nt volunteer force of 500 men. The directors report the sucee.-sful formation of a company to construct the Beira Railway from the Hast Coast to the British sphere, in which undertaking the com p.niy now hold a considerable interest without: liability. Materials for 75 miles of railway hail been shipped,,and the greater part had already arrived at lieira. The confidence expressed by the directors as to the mineral wealth and agricultural prospects in Mashonaland had been amply borne out by the development recently effected. The gold reefs were considers, sufficiently promising to warrant the registration of claims, The past ditliculties and expenses of transport would shortly he obviated by railway facilities. Discoveries of silver, copper, lead, iron, nitrate of potasli, and plumbago had been made during the past year; while the native cotton and tobacco had been pronounced by experts to be of first-class quality, The agricultural occupation of the country was steadily proceeding, and townships had been declared at Salisbury, Victoria, and Umtali, Steady development had also been effected in Nyassaland under the administration of Commissioner,Johnston.