African Affairs.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1922, Page 3

African Affairs.

SOUTHERN RHODESIA. KEUTEII’S TELEGRAMS. Received Tins Day at 12.25 p.m.) CAPETOWN, January 19. A draft, constitution of 'Southern Rhodesia is published. If provides for a legislature of two houses with certain reservations, protecting native rights. Provision is made that when a referendum is taken on the question of responsible self-Government, the alternative of incorporation in the Union iof South Africa will he placed before the people.

THE STRIKE SITUATION. HOPE OF SETTLEMENT. CAPETOWN, January 19. An official report states there is still no result from the strike conference, hut the representatives of employers are drafting proposals with a view to seeing how far they can meet the condition of the men, regarding the appointment of the Conciliation Board on the coal dispute.

A Johannesburg report states there never was a strike on the Rand conducted with such moderation by both .skies. Considerable 'inconvenience is felt, owing to the fact that no trams arc running in' the middle of the day and the shortage of power supplies, except for the essential services. The repatriation of native mineworkers is proceeding rapidly.

A later report qtates both sides fav- I oured the appointment of a Conciliation j Hoard. The employers agreed to make only 2s 6d reduction in wages, pending i the Board’s award, and that there be , no victimisation on either side. The employers dissent from the mens demand for re-employement of all previous employees. The men’s executive are considering the employers proposals. AN EXCITING INCIDENT. (Received This Day at 12.25 p.m.) CAPETOWN, January 19. An exciting incident occurred in j East Rand. A command of fifty young ! Dutch miners isolated the pumping stat tion supplying domesitc water to Modj de r East at midnight. Only the forei man and two policemen were there. ! The raiders kidnapped these and took their horses and rifles and shopped the pump. A force of 150 other horsemen waited in the vicinity while the raidI ers carried opt their plans. After the | prisoners had been carried some dist--1 ance tbev were released, but their rifles were taken. Natives reported the raid and a detachment of police chased the raiders who scattered and escaped.