THE RAND STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2095, 1 June 1907, Page 3

THE RAND STRIKE.

STATEMENT BY MINE-OWNERS,

PREPARED FOR A LONG

STRUGGLE

United Press Association Copyrigl t PRETORIA, May 30.

George Albu, one of tho leaders of tho German group of Rand minors, addressing tho Gonornl Mining Finance Corporation, Johannesburg, declared that, mine owners were prepared for a long struggle, settling disputes for a long time. They had long realised that a largo proportion of tho minors wore grossly inefficient. The number employed underground was excossive. They had been rolnctant to discharge the men in bad times, hut tho strikers removed this sentimental factor and afforded an opportunity for far-reaching reforms. He predicted that tho mines in the future would bo run with 15 to 20 per cent, fewer highly-paid laborers. If the struggle was prolonged Africanders would fill the strikers’ places ns supervisors of the natives.

POSITION OF THE HET VOLK PRETORIA, May 30.

Tho AA’itwatersrnnd branch of the Het Volk refused to amalgamate with the Labor party, objecting to its socialism tendencies.

VIEWS OF GENERAL BOTHA. Received May 31, 9.30 p.m. PRETORIA, May 31. General Botha was enthusiastically welcomed to Pretoria. He approved tho Government’s attitude towards tho strike and hoped the miners would soon regain common sense. .