SOUTH AFRICAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1922, Page 4

SOUTH AFRICAN NEWS

Mr L. Northcroft, formerly editor of the “West Cousit Times” writing from South Africa says:— During the week just passed, we have had Dungoono Day. The Dutch people in this part of the world regard it as a sacred day; most of the time is spent in church, i don’t know if a siniilai practice is adopted in other districts where the Dutch are present in preponderating numbers, but 1 suppose it is so. ' On the Hand, and elsewhere in the urban areas it is just a. public holiday where races, sports, and other festivities are celebrated. This is supposed to scandalise the ultra-Dutch section ol the people and protests are uttered in the Dutch press and other quarters which ate adopted as vehicles for the suppression of Dutch sentiment and Dutch thought. 1 don't know if the cables have told you the result of the trial of the natives accused in connection with the Bullioek affray near Queenstown on May 24th last.

There were over 100 accused persons and all were found guilty. The ringleaders, Enoch (the prophet), his brother Charles, (commander-in-chief), and another man named Gilbert were sentenced to six years imprisonment with hard labour; tbe others were sentenced to to terms lighter in degree according to the standing they held in tile rebellious body. At the encounter which took place on May 24th., nearly 200 oF the natives were killed or died of tHeir wounds.

The judgte, (Sir Thomas Graham) in delivering sentence condemned the native Departments officials in most unmeasured terms. A combination of bluff, weakness and vacillation seems to have characterised their conduct throughout. It has done Oiie good thing. There will be much greater and more serious troubles iii thd future. Of that I ain assured. The Ntabalonga affair has given some indication of what the natives are likely to attempt iri the fuure; it should sliow the necessity for a wiser and a firmer policy in connection with the native unrest. I cannot say if the lesson will be taken to heart. The evidence as disclosed at the trial constitutes a most sweeping indictment of administering native affairs.

The weather is now intensely hot and sultry. AVe have had no rain during the week, but to-da,y the symptoms are promising. We may get it or we may noit ;.it is difficult to say. Rain is again wanted, if for no other purpose than to clear the air.