GENERAL BOTHA'S OPTIMISM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3339, 4 October 1911, Page 7

GENERAL BOTHA'S OPTIMISM.

INCREASED FAITH IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE. SOUTH' AFRICAN PROBLEMS. In an interview at Home General Botlra said : “I go back to South Africa with increased optimism* as to the future of the British Empire. Notwithstanding what has been said in ’so mo quarters, I believe that the Dominions and the Mother-country have, as a result of the Imperial Conference, entered upon a new era of the closest possible relationship. I am very much impressed with a new condition or things which cannot but have the happiest effects in the history of the British Empire.” . Dealing with the question of Mouth African immigration, General Botha said that he was closely studying, the system in vogue in other Dominions, tie had also seen General Booth in order to discuss the Salvation Army system, bis real object being to se© which scheme was working best. H© continued: . . “My policy from the beginning has been that we in South Africa are in favor of immigration. But before we bring people from outside we must make sure that people, half English, half Dutch, who are now practically starving in South Africa shall be in a position to earn a living. On railway work alone we have 4,700 people earning 3s 3d a day, a. sum on which they cannot Jive. We want to improve on .that and to get them back to the land before we talk about immigration from outside. “If people come to South Africa, we want selected agriculturists, very carefully chosen people. No doubt a larger number of immigrants wall com© out,’ nit it is a question of time and of the suitability of the immigrant. If this matter is hurried and care be not exercised, there will be hopeless failure and the bulk of the immigrants will be unable to live. English people can best help by sending out the families of men who are already working in South Africa.” Referring to the question of South African defence, General Botha said: “The defence scheme is a big one, needing the exhibition of , tact to-get it throiigh successfully. It is a scheme that must have the co-operation of both parties, for, if it is to be a success, it cannot be carried through by force.”