African Affairs.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1922, Page 3

African Affairs.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION FIGHT TO FINISH. VIEW OF STRIKE LEADER. CAPETOWN, Feb. 10. Thomson, president of the Federation speaking at Johannesburg, stated the position was summed up in a fight to a finish. He appealed to strikers not to declare a general strike till the Federation was certain of its success. Two more leaders were arrested on a charge of incitement to violence. CAPE STRIKE CRISIS. CAPETOWN, Fob. 11. General Smuts has issued a statement, again emphasising the urgent necessity of an immediate resumption of work in the mines. He declares that a final settlement of the dispute must be left to Parliament, after ail impartial enquiry, and he appeals to the Industrial Federation to call off the strike, on the basis of the recently submitted terms, the miners in the meantime to resume. The Government he says, will thereupon appoint an impartial board to review all the issues. General Smuts adds: “As it is likely that large numbers will he unable to find immediate re-employment, the Government is preparing a scheme for employing some thousands' on public works.”

THE CAPE STRIKE. CAPETOWN, Fel). 10. There is a disposition among a large body of men to return to work, provided that a reasonable compromise is obtained, hut the militant section iff the East Rand are advocating stronger measures. A mass meeting demanded a general strike. The police have promised to protect any miners returning to work.

STRIKERS ATTITUDE. (Received This Dav nt 10.15 a.m.l CAPETOWN, Feb. 12. A monster meeting of strikers at Johannesburg Town Hall resolved to stand firm until they secured a victory. The chief speaker declared that was the answer to Smuts’ challenge. The Chairman announced any strikers returning to work to-morrow would be dealt with by commandos.

ATTEMPT TO OPEN MINES. (Received This Day at 1.5 p.m.) CAPETOWN. February 11The Chamber of Mines, in response to the Premier’s appeal, will open the mines on Monday, engaging men on the Chamber’s present terms, subject to alteration by an impartial Government Commission. Thompson, President of the Industrial Federation instructed all strikers not to return to work, pending the decision of the Federation augmented executive An open air meeting to-night expressed disfavour of General S 1 ™ proposals..