PRISONERS SURPRISED.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14888, 30 January 1914, Page 7

PRISONERS SURPRISED.

TOLD OF THEIR DEPORTATION ON BOARD. HOW THE NEWS LEAKED OUT. (Received January 30th, 0.5 a.m.) JOHANNESBURG, January 29. . The prisoners were surprised to find themselves at Durban, where they arrived at midnight strongly guarded. The Natal Rifles and Water Police guarded the passage from the train to the steamer Umgeni, on which the Government had chartered all tho passenger accommodation. ' The prisoners were hurriedly taken, unresistingly, to their cabins, each of which was strongly guarded by the Water Police. The secret was so well kept that no one in Durban was aware of the proceedings. Even the railway officials were ignorant, the train being designated a special conveyance for a theatrical company. The Umgeni crossed tho bar and anchored in th© roadstead. The men were then informed of the Govern' meat's plan. Neither detectives nor railway officials were warned to hold themselves in readiness. "When the chief detective

ultimately gave his orders, ho told the men selected simply to bring their overcoats and handcuffs. Tho news leaked oat in Johannesburg throngh a civilian chancing to hear the inmates of tho prison van 6inging "Tho Hod Flag" whilo beins taken to tho train. Ho informed tbo newspapers, and the ''Rand Mail" published tho news. Tho censor then warned tho newspapers not to refer to the matter. The men deported were moved on Monday night, being conveyed in the prison van some miles into the country, where they were placed on a train containing troops. They had no idea whither they wero going, but believed that they were being taken towards Pretoria. AU tho windows and shutters wero kept closed.