ELECTION OF SWART

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 13

ELECTION OF SWART

Advocate Of Apartheid

(N Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) CAPE TOWN, May 10 The election of a former Hollywood film extra. Charles ißobberts Swart, as the first 'President of the new South African Republic was a foregone conclusion, Reuter reported. I The election was by secret ballot in both Houses of Parliament and Mr Swart was sthe Government candidate. Mr Swart, who is the Governor - General, was elected by 139 to 71. Mr Swart was proposed by the Prime Minister (Dr. Verwoerd) and seconded by the Minister for Lands (Mr Sauer). His opponent. Mr H A. Fagan, aged 72. the candidate for the combined Opposition, was a former Chief Justice. Mr Swart is one of South Africa's strongest advocates of apartheid and has introduced many controversial acts in recent years, the British United Press reported. He is a firm supporter of corporal punishment and once produced a cat o’ nine tails in the House of Assemblies and posed, smiling. for photographers. He is also said to have described a photograph of a wedding between a white girl and an African as “disgusting" It was on his orders in 1956 that 150 persons were arrested and charged with treason, the British United Press said.

Their trial dragged on until March this year, when Anally all 28 remaining accused were released.