The war in South Afrien hay dwindled into comparative insignificance in the excitement caused by the crisis up North, Of course this is not quite a fact, still the chief topic is of affairs nearer home. There is an eager outery for telegrams and news of all kinds, "those who relatives up North are actively making ly to receive them down here. The colony is also gradually getting into a s.ate of preparedness for eventualities; many ladies are sending th contents of silver tables, ete. auks, and looking to the replenishing of their storerooms in ease the colony should, by default of Cunton, be placed on short commons. Some of the fair sex have also added a revolver and ammunition to their other possessions, especially those live the Peak, whose male belongings are la the lower regions during the daytime, who intend to do their feeble best to def themselves should the occasion unfortunately occur.
The sterner sex, too, do not intend to be caught napping; they have already aken preliminary "steps to forma corps for men over 32 who do not belong to any other Volunteer force in the colony. The members will find their own equipment except arms and a certain amount of ammunition for practice at cost price which they have asked the Government t" supply. In return for the loan of the rifles the members of the ps undertake to make themselves proficient in shooting, t" be efficient enough to piss th: stan lant Inid down; and ty turn out fully equipped and ready to take part in the defence of the colony when called upon. A fair number have already joined.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.