BEIRA. 185 on the annual value of houses, empty or occupied. The Company makes and receives all payments only in British or Portuguese currency, at the rate of 4500 Eeis per pound sterling. To insist upon a good currency is a judicious step, but the low rate of exchange thus fixed is a distinct hindrance to commerce. The usual exchange for currency is from 5000 to 5200 Keis per pound sterling. It is the opinion of many interested in the progress of the place that in the present pioneer state of

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... the colony lighter taxes, etc., and a more liberal policy, would invite and encourage trade. The native tax is 10s. per hut, and 20s. for each marriage. The non-native population of the town in 1893 numbered 350, of whom about 60 were British subjects, one-half of them Europeans and the other half natives of India. There is a good hospital and a. capital resident surgeon. A good deal of prospecting and developing of mines has been already accomplished in the Manica and Mutari districts ; shafts have been sunk and levels driven, and the promoters of the half-dozen companies and syndicates that have been at work are very hopeful. The insufficiency of the means of transport of machinery has been an insuperable obstacle ; but by the railway to Chimoio the fly-belt has been bridged, and heavy goods can be laid down now in country where ox-wagons cart readily be employed. This year will undoubtedly see a very great advance in every direction.