The Kansas Public Service Gas Co., Lawrence’s privately owned natural gas utility, was seeking permission to raise its rates by about 19 center per thousand cubic feet of gas. If approved, the final rate would be up about 4.5 percent.

Chester Crocker, assistant U.S. secretary of state for African affairs, told a Kansas University audience that U.S. policies were aimed at “forging a new mature partnership” with African nations.

With less than an hour to go in the formal six-week campaign, Jo Bryant, Lawrence United Fund executive director, breathed a deep sigh of relief when the drive topped its goal with a total of $432,478, with more funds and pledges yet to come in. The kicker in completing the drive was a $2,000 amount left by the recent Midwestern Governor’s Conference here, headed by Kansas Gov. John Carlin.