SOUTH AFRICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1440, 28 April 1905, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICA.

THE TRANSVAAL CONSTITUTION

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, April 26. The Times, warmly approving of the Transvaal constitution, says that tho yoting power of the electors no longer depends on the relative feoundity of the districts wherein they dwell. Mr Lyttelton, in a covering letter to Sir Arthur Lawley in reference to the proposed scheme of government for the Transvaal, deolares that Lord Milner concurs generally with tho Government’s line of action. The Government believe it i will command tho adhesion of sensible and prudent men in South Africa and other parts of tho Empire, whereas full self-government, implying party government, would present conditions which I would mean government by one raoe or I the other. It will become more practicable I when the two races have, with equal rightß of citizenship, lived and acted somowhat 1 longer together. Bitter memories should I be softened by the healing effect of time. I The Government expected tho co-operation I of tbe Dutch in makiDg tho race no longer in an isolated independence, but a strong pillar of the fabric of a world-wide EmI piro. It was the Government’s most | ardent desire to effect complete reoonciliaI tion of two great kindred races. The Legislative Assembly will . not initiate taxation. Members will be paid I 40s a day for tho session, the amount not exceeding £2OO per annum. The Orange colony is not included, but waits for a I scheme.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS

By Telegraph—Press Association—Gopyrigh

Received 9.42 p.m., April 27. Capetown, April 27

The Pretoria News says that the n6W Constitution is practically self government with the necessary Imperial safeguards. The Transvaal Advertiser deolares that it is Liberal, but unlikely to stay the Responsible Governmont Association’s , agitation. The Volkstoin asks who cares twopence for Mr Lyttelton’s opinions in the Transvaal. Tho new Assembly tied up its right to legislate merely in favor of the Transvaal,

The Leader considers the Constitution as a real and reasonable compromise between extreme opinions. The Rand Daily Mail says that the Constitution is based on the real will of the people and ought to satisfy the intelligent. The Rand Star thinks that the Constitution is admirable, and far more Liberal than any colony hitherto endowed with Representative Government The Cape Times considers that Mr Lyttelton has chosen the oourse least beset, with difficulties.