improved demand for drilling and hoisting machinery, as well as for oil gas engines, is noticed. England sent more goods in 1897 than

ever before.

The question of freight rates still continues to agitate English shippers. It is urged that they are not on the same footing as Americans and Germans; they live in hope that preferential rates to American shippers may be withdrawn, and action is being taken. to effect this.

IMPORTS.

The imports into South Africa in 1897 amounted to $129,150,128.54, divided as follows:

Cape Colony........

Natal

Delagoa Bay

This trade came from the following countries:

Great Britain and possessions........

United States.......

Germany.......

Other competing countries.......

Foreign countries not competitive...

$87, 148, 927.08

29, 082, 242. 54 12, 918, 958. 92

$38, 670, 362. 42

13, 151, 071. 24 5, 122, 738. 36

15, 745, 291. 22

6, 460, 665. 30

Total

TRADE WITH GERMANY.

129, 150, 128. 54

Germany recognizes the importance of this market, and through. her new steamship line and low rates of freight is preparing to foster her trade. She is imitating the United States in goods and methods of packing. To show her trade on the east coast, it can be stated that during January, 1898, out of a total tonnage of 22,496 tons discharged at Delagoa Bay, British ships delivered 8,290 tons, and German, Norwegian, and Swedish ships 11,334 tons. Of this, lumber represents 9,878 tons; railway material, 2,034 tons; coal, 400 tons; and general merchandise, 10, 184 tons. Germany is sending

to South Africa a monthly Trade and Export Journal, the purpose of which is to make German industry known to the world's markets and to prove its ability to compete with all civilized nations.

TRADE WITH ENGLAND.

British manufacturers exported to South Africa in February, 1897, $3,254,440.96, and in February, 1898, $2,765,689.92. The largest increase was in railroad iron and steel, viz, $183,416.40; woolen and cotton goods and paper also increased. The decrease is shown in machinery and millwork, bar and angle iron, steel wire, beer and ale, hardware, and apparel.

British manufacturers are calling attention to the attractive advertising of Americans.

Tinned beef decreased to the value of $168,243.48, and agricultural implements, $39,370.86. Other decreases were in sewing machines, hides, bacon, etc. The heavy loss of cattle and crops caused lessened importations of implements, vehicles, etc.

The total imports of merchandise from the United States into Cape Colony in 1897 were: