SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2097, 4 June 1907, Page 3

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

SPEECH BY LORD MILNER,

TRADE PREFERENCE URGED

Uuitod Press Association —Copyright LONDON, Juno 1. Lord Milner, at a Unionist demonstration at York, acknowledged Sir Edward Grey’s and Mr. Morloy’s wise with Egypt and India, but stated that Radical fanatics hud diverted the full force to South Africa, which was the lightning conductor of their mischievous activities. Ho quotod Mr. Smuts, showing the Transvaal’s gravo state of material depression. Lord Milner declared that the alarming decline was duo to reckless electoral agitation in Britain destroying confidence. "While recognising the sincerity of General Botha’s speeches, ho contended that wo had transferred the Transvaal to a purely racial party, and had laid the foundations of Dutch ascendancy from Capetown to tho Limpopo. Commenting on the Colonial Conference he said that preference nuistj now be argued as a living principle. "It would give an immense impetus in exports to the colonies, whose inhabitants per head were vastly our best customers. Preference by encouraging colonial production and population would multiply those customers. Our emigration should be directed to British lands instead of running to waste all over the world. They would thus upbuild the Empire, and our main powor for defence and unity.

LORD MILNER ATTACKED

“UNFAIR AND UNTRUE

CHARGES.’’

Received June 3, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, June 3.

Earl Carrington at Ilford said Lord Milner’s speech was a discordant note. All true Englishmen must read it with pain, astonishment, and indignation. No responsible statesman of modern times had brought charges so unfair and untrue against a Government. Tho granting of responsible government to the Transvaal was received with satisfaction by tlie whole civilised world.

THE RAND STRIKE.

PRETORIA, Juno 2

General Botha, replying to a deputation of Rand strikers at Pretoria, said two commissions would bo appointed, and the Government would give effect to their reports. If the superintendence of machines proved injurious to a miners’ health legislation would follow. The deputation assured General Botha it would not object ■to the military if protection was afforded against Chinese and natives.