GENERAL BOTHA.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1919, Page 2

GENERAL BOTHA.

DEATH FROAI INFLUENZA

A NOTED IMPERIALIST

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) I AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

CAPETOWN, Aug,

The death has oecured of the Prime Alinister of the Union of South Africa, General Botha. The cause of death was influenza.

[Rt. Hon. Louis Botha, P.C., Pretoria, first Premier of the Transvaal, and first Premier of United South Africa; opposed President Kruger’s war policy at the outset, and then proved one ’ of our doughtiest adversaries, lias since appealed to both the Boers and their fellow subjects in England to “let the blood of the brave who fond their graves in South Africa he the cement that will bind us together” ; cultivates a taste for music and letters as well as land; attended Imperial Conference 1911, and received degrees at Oxford, Cambridge, and Glasgow Universities. Alade Hon. General British Army, August 1912. Had controversy with General Hertzog in 1913. In -1914 took the strong step of deporting various strike leaders, who were sent to England and forbidden to return, hut subsequently were permitted. ->lado v a notable speecli on South Africa’s sympathy in the war. Became commander of the South African troops in September, 1914. Quickly subdued revolutionary rising of De Wet in autumn of 1914, and had complete triumph over the enemy in German South West Africa. Enhanced his already fine reputation. Was ordered two months’ rest in July, 1917, owing to overwork. Has been the South African representative at the Peace Conference, from which bo had just returned.]

A STUNNING SHOCK. (Received This Day at 11.20. a.m.)

CAPETOWN, Aug. 28.

The news of General Botha’s death came as a stunning shock. He caught a chill a few days ago, when on a visit to his farm, "and was confined to his bed on his return to Pretoria. Nothing serious was anticipated, but the illness took a turn for the worse last night, and Botha passed away at midnight. Airs Botha and Captain Botha wero present’at the time of the death, but no other relatives, owing to its suddenness.

General Smuts, as Senior Minister, will act as Premier.

martyr to duty.

UNIVERSAL GRIEF,

(Received This Day at 11.20. a.m.) CAPETOWN, Aug. 2S.

General Botha’s symptoms for sometime past had been causing anxiety, apart from the fact of periodical attacks of weakness for years. His work iu [Europe exhausted him, and the voyage to Africa was marked by ominous incidents. On the day of landing lie was very weak. His intimate friends marvelled that he was able i<> bear the strain of public receptions. Nevertheless, the full seriousness of the position was not realised. At five o’clock yesterday afternoon Botha, fell into., a gentle sleep, from which there was no awakening, and the end was absolutely peaceful. It. is understood that, constitutionally, Cabinet ceases to exist on the death of the Premier. The GovernorGeneral. who has broken his journey to come to Pretoria, will nominate his

successor. | A State funeral will be given on Saturday. The news of his death caused universal grief. No statesman was more generally loved.