SOUTH AFRICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 714, 9 January 1903, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICA.

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S VISIT.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Capetown, Jan. 7.

Mr Chamberlain, replying to a deputation at Pretoria, said if desired an Imperial Minister's visit would be repeated. He was sure they would feel it their duty! and. equally their pleasure, to make his visit-, so successful as to tempt his successors to repeat it. If ho was sent back emptyhanded ho would bow to the decision, but in that easo the visit was unlikely to bo promptly repeated. In the course of a speech at a banquet, Mr Chamberlain expressed u hope that Pretoria would remain the capital of tho Transvaal. Three hundred Boers have held a conference at Pretoria, Schalkburger presiding. Botha, De la Ivey, and many commandants were present. Some of tho speeches were very bitter, although the general tono was moderate. Do la Roy resented sneering at tho National Scouts. The delegates must represent tho whole nation. Botha stated that a general amnesty was promised at Vereoniging. Except ou threo points he endorsed Lord Milner’s scheme for the distribution of three millions. Schalkburger said the most assistance would be obtained by supporting the Government. Repatriation would bo successful if tho burghers supported the Government. At a banquet in Pretoria, Sohalkbuigi- . Smuts, Botha, and many country Dutch were present, lleplyiug to tho suggested acceleration of further representative) government, Mr Chamberlain said it was embarrassing to raise controversial questions prematurely. Ho advisod patience, allowing a study of tho probloms before them. London, Jan. 7. The Standard stiff'”' -° National Scouts an' 1 <0

The, 'nui.'o

tin ! leers’ aloofness ui . arrival was due to doubt as to i.

attitudo. There is a disposition now vu aequiesco in the Btatus quo and show passive loyalty. Duplessis, pastor of tho Dutch ohurch at Liudloy, in tho Orange Colony, has been boycotted owing to his British sympathies, und has resigued. He has boon appointed inspector of schools in tho Transvaal.

A split in tho Dutch Church is threati ned owing to tho treatment of tho Bovs. Vluk and Duplossis, and other similar incidents.