Capetown (July 10): General Botha's ultimatum to the German forces in South-West Africa expired at tea time on Thursday. The Germans surrendered unconditionally, General Botha accepting the Governor's surrender at two o'clock in the morning.
General Botha reports that 204 officers and 3166 men surrendered, with 37 field guns and 22 Maxims.
All the South African towns are displaying flags and bunting. The news resulted in intense popular enthusiasm, the populace giving vent to their pent-up feeling after the wild rumours of the past few days. General Botha and Smuts have been inundated with congratulations.
Stress is laid upon the unparalleled character of the forced marches by the Mounted Brigade through the most difficult country for the past fortnight in order to complete the encircling of the enemy.
When they realised that escape was impossible the Germans sought to make terms, but General Botha brushed conditions aside, and said that his troops would attack at five o'clock. The Germans were nonplussed and bewildered at the rapidity of General Botha's movements, and finally accepted his ultimatum.
The whole German force will be transferred to the Union and kept prisoners until the war is over, the officers being released on parole in prescribed areas. General Botha is expected in Capetown in a fortnight, and an immense reception is in course of preparation for him.
• What is frequently called ''an interesting event'' occurred aboard the steamer Riverina on Saturday week, when a saloon passenger gave birth to a child.
The ship does not carry a surgeon for the four-day trip between Sydney and Auckland; but the mother was well cared for by the stewardess and other passengers, and on the vessel's arrival at Auckland both mother and child were reported to be doing remarkably well (says the Auckland Star), although the ship had passed through one of the worst gales known for some time.
A collection was taken up by the passengers for the child, and a sum of 7 12s 6d was handed over to the mother. It was freely stated on board on Wednesday morning that the youngster (a boy) was to be christened George Riverina, in order to commemorate the remarkable circumstances of his birth.
• A kinematographic film of great historical value has been prepared by the New Zealand Government's official photographers as a record of the sending of troops to the sea of war.
The film was tested by a private exhibition on Monday at Shortt's Picture Theatre (says the Wellington Post), and was found to be of excellent quality. It records the training of the men at the Trentham camp, including both infantry and mounted infantry, and other features of the camp.
• Notice has been given by Mr Myers to ask the Minister of Public Health whether the Government will take into consideration the desirability of establishing special institutions for those unfortunate people who are not sufficiently unbalanced mentally to warrant their committal to a mental hospital, but who frequently appear in the magistrate's courts, charged with offences for which no good purpose is served by committing them to prison.
Mr Myers points out that the police are frequently compelled to arrest homeless and penniless wanderers, many of whom are elderly people suffering from senile decay, while others are of feeble mind, requiring care and skilful attention. - ODT, 12.7.1915.
