The imports during the first three-quarters of the year 1888 were about two millions; and in 1889, during the same period, they had risen to three millions.  The exports during 1888 were one million; for the same period in 1889 they were one million and a quarter.  Imports have advanced 50 per cent., exports by 25 per cent.  Customs revenue has advanced by 25 per cent., and if the receipts be maintained, which is more than probable, the total income for the year from this source will reach L350,000.  It is anticipated that the combined trade of Natal for the year 1889 will not be far short of six millions sterling.  The increase is a substantial one, and, what is more satisfactory, is that there appears to be every reasonable prospect that the trade will go on increasing by leaps and bounds.  Affairs are in a generally prosperous state, and a good sign is to be found in the fact that the emigration returns are also rapidly rising.

[Illustration:  HARBOUR WORKS, DURBAN.]

The gigantic Harbour Works, commenced and now nearly successfully completed for the purpose of removing the bar, according to the plans both of Sir John Coode, and subsequently of his pupil, their late lamented engineer, Mr. Innes, and under the active personal superintendence of their distinguished townsman the Chairman of the Harbour Board, comprise an undertaking of which the citizens of Durban may well be proud.  Nor is less credit due to them, and to their spirited leaders, for their enterprise in so rapidly pushing on their railway to the Transvaal border, in the confident expectation that they will be the first to bring the benefits of that most necessary modern mode of conveyance, both for passengers and goods, into the heart of the Transvaal Republic.

The Harbour Works, the Railway, and the Durban Town Hall are all works of sufficient magnitude to give undoubted evidence of the public spirit and unconquerable energy of the people of Natal.

The inhabitants of Durban are fortunate in possessing picturesque surroundings to their pretty town.  The “Berea,” one of its most attractive spots, is an elevated suburb where many of the principal merchants, and others have their residences.  It commands a lovely prospect over the bay, and a beautiful view of the country inland.

During, my stay at Durban I paid visits to two of the most remarkable places in the neighbourhood.  These were the Natal Central Sugar Company’s manufactory at Mount Edgcumbe, and the famous Trappist establishment at Marionhill.  The sugar manufactory is situated on a farm of some 8,000 acres, about 15 miles from Durban.  A short railway ride brought me to it.  I was courteously received by the manager, Monsieur Dumat.  This gentleman, a Frenchman of great experience in the manufacture of sugar both in India and Mauritius, has been at Mount Edgcumbe for the last ten years.  He is remarkable for the way in which he maintains order and control over all