A Committee of the House of Lords has submitted a report drawn up in a guarded manner in favour of the principle of Bet terment. In cases where property in creased in value by municipal improve ments, the Committee admit there is a difficulty in applying the provision. It is reported that coal has been found at Buluwayo, Matabeleland. The gold dis coveries there are turning out excellently. In reply to a question, the Postmaster- General said the Australian mails via America had not been delayed, and he was not aware that any had been destroyed. The question of adopting the Canadian route was primarily one for the colonies to decide. ■ London, July 16. The Times says that the decision not to permit the Matabele and Mashona to favour British against foreign goods, if final, seems to prevent Great Britain from accepting differential rates from the colonies. The proposals of the Ottawa Conference will, therefore, require further consideration.
CONTINENTAL.
