CHARLESTOWN EXTENSION.

August 24.—­Mr. WOLMARANS opposed the line, as it would compete with the Delagoa Bay Railway, for which the State was responsible.

Mr. LE CLERQ maintained that the Cape Free State line was against the interests of the burghers, as a tremendous number of cattle were brought into the State from outside countries.

Mr. MALAN said he would never vote for this line.

Mr. ROOS referred to the sacred voice of the people, which he said was against railways.

The extension was eventually approved of.

1894.

FIRST RAAD.

May 14.—­A debate took place upon the clause that members should appear in the House clad in broadcloth and having white neckties.

Mr. JAN DE BEER complained of the lack of uniformity in neckties.  Some wore a Tom Thumb variety, and others wore scarves.  This was a state of things to be deplored, and he considered that the Raad should put its foot down and define the size and shape of neckties.

JAM CONCESSION.

August 28.—­The PRESIDENT said he was against concessions generally speaking, but there were cases where exceptions should be made.  There was for instance the Jam Concession.  The manufacture of jam ought to be protected.

REDUCTION OF POSTAGE FROM TWOPENCE TO ONE PENNY THROUGHOUT THE REPUBLIC.

August 22.—­Mr. WOLMARANS opposed the reduction, saying the Postal Department would probably show a deficit at the end of the year.  And besides who would benefit?  Certainly not the farmers.

Mr. LOMBAARD also was against the reduction.

Mr. DE LA REY said speculators could afford to pay the present rates of postage, and as the reduction would only benefit the townspeople, let matters remain unaltered.  If he resided in a town and speculated he would be able to pay twopence.

Mr. SCHUTTE said the Postal Department was run at a loss at present, and if they further reduced the tariff things would go very badly with them.

Reduction rejected, 13 to 9.

INCREASE OF REPRESENTATION.

September 6.—­The PRESIDENT throughout the debate maintained that there was no advantage to be gained by increased representation, and that business could be more quickly transacted with a small number of members.  He disagreed with those members who wished to give big towns representatives as the Raad would be swamped with town members.

After the rejection of various proposals the PRESIDENT rose and pointed out it would mean ruination to the country if the Raad resolved to increase the number of the members, and amidst some confusion he left, declining to occupy the Presidential chair, muttering that the Raad was large enough already and if it were increased it would be a shame.

EDUCATION QUESTION.

September 7.—­The Committee reported that a number of memorials had been received, praying that more hours weekly should be devoted to the English language.  Counter memorials had also been received.  The Committee advised the Raad not to grant the request of more hours for English.