29 FEBRUARY 1896, Page 3

The Report of the British South Africa Company is sum-

marised in Thursday's Times. The balance sheet, made up to March 31st, 1895, shows that the administration expenses, direct and indirect, including 214,471 Os. 5d, for telegraph construction, were 2142,423 4s. 9d., against 265,766 14s. for the previous year. The revenue was 2118,883 is. 3d., against 244 489 6s. 5d. Favourable details are given as to the pro- gress of the railways in the Company's territory. Ultimately the line will reach Salisbury, and will there meet an extension of the Beira Railway. At present there are 1,354 miles of telegraph-wire in operation south of the Zambesi. The Report also notices that the sale of " stands " in August, in "Salisbury, Umtali, Bulawayo, and Guelo," amounting to 2203,095, is a great proof of confidence ; that agricultural work has proved productive ; and that, exclusive of police, there are one hundred and thirty Europeans doing adminis- trative work in Rhodesia. It also gives a mass of information as to postal communications, including rates, fares, and facilities for changing money-orders, the means of reaching the various mining centres, and coaching-fares. The Report also gives practical hints for intending settlers. It is men- tioned that a white policeman costs 2205 a year. The Report, no doubt, shows that a great deal has been done by the Com- pany to develop its territory. It remains to be seen whether the gold which admittedly exists, exists in paying quantities.