African Affairs.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1922, Page 3

African Affairs.

CAPE STRIKE TROUBLES. reuteu’s telegrams. CAPETOWN, Feb. 27. Employees at Johannesburg power station have struck and the town is without trams or power. It is expected there will be no light to-nigt. • Police in brush with the Blomfontein commando, captured 27. Ten were sent to hospital and three police were injured, one being sent to the hospital. In another affray owing to strikers attempting to intimidate East Rami proprietary workers, two policemen were injured and a large number of arrests effected.

STRIKE DEBATE, ißeceived This Day at 8 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Feb. 28

The strike debate lasted five days, and concluded after an all-night sitting. Government announced they would adopt an amendment by Major Hunt of the Mouth African Party, affirming that in the best interests of the country, the strikers should follow the Premier’s advice and return to work immediately, on the best terms obtainable at the moment, pending an enquiry by an Imperial Board appointed by Government to deal with tne issues raised by the strike and changes required in the conditions of organisation in the gold milling industry, the findings of the Board to l>e laid before Parliament as early as possible this session. Hunt’s amendment was carried by 69 to- 55 —the Nationalised Labourites voting with the minority.

Owing to the refusal of the power station employees at Johannesburg to handle the so-called “black coal,” the town is in darkness. The police have taken possession of the power station. Government will carry on essential services. The Civic Guard has been called out,

An attempt was made to dynamite the new law courts in the heart of the town, hut little damage was done.

THE COMMANDOS

CAPETOWN, Feh. 25

Advices from Johannesburg state that a revolt against domination and brutality of the commandos is evideneri:! by the formation of c ounter-eon--111." lidos.

Two hundred officials am! workmen have returned to work.

The Industrial Federation is cabling to the American International Federation for financial assistance. The Hon J. C. Smuts, in the Assembly, denied the rumor that the Government, was cal'iiig on * !, e military forces to deal with t'tc cwnwamlns. Nevertheless, he said the Government was increasing the police force in its determination to rairy out its policy of protection to peaceful workers.

The commando leader, Mr Watorson, continued flu* dehate. He attacked ihe Government, and declared that the commandos v/ere organised for defence, not defiance. The Chamber of Mims, which was responsible for tie’ ike r War. was a curio to the countrv. H v

Abe Hailey complained that the “sh<”> steward” system was hampering th** mine managements, lie contended that the strike was brought about by the politicians for political purposes.

TALK OF SETTLEMENT, deceived This Day at 10.15 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Feh. 28.

The general position at Johannesburg has considerably improved, owing to the stronger attitude of the police. Arrangements are being made to ran the power station with volunteers. The men’s leaders are making suggestions for a settlement.