AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1922, Page 3

AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

4VSTUALIAN ANO N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION

strike Spreading. CAPETOWN, March 9. Durban is the first centre outside Johannesburg to respond to the call of a general strike, which the locill I 1 ederation decided to proclaim from tomorrow afternoon.

mob mW. CAPETOWN, MardH , 9

Strikers at Johannesburg hoisted the Red flag on the main flagstaff in front of the Town Hall and vowed the commandos will close every business in town. Large forces of police are held in readiness on vantage grounds ready to be rushed to any threatened point. East and West Rand is completely under, mob law. The Commandos swear, to close down the whole Witwatersrand.

The newspaper “Star” in stinging articles,- demands the ending of mob rule, which has reigned for thre e days, by a declaration of martial law. The ‘•Star” denounces Smuts hesitancy in facing bloodshed

CLASH OF ARMS. CAPETOWN, March 10. Simultaneously with the proclamation of martial law, a battle commenced' Between strikers commandos and police at' B e noni, Brakpan and the whole far East Rand.

MARTIAL LAW PROCLAIMED. Received This Day at 8 a.m.) CAPETOWN, March 10. Martial law has been proclaimed. Great exetement prevails amongst the natives, but there is a general testimony as to their law abiding behavious under gibat provocation. A big meeting of strikers at Vrededorp passed a resolution that the striko will only he called off, on the resignation of the Government. .

There has been a remarkable response to the proclamation calling out the defence force, large numbers registering.

'Robinson Mine has closed down, owing to strike losses and shaft troubles. The Railway worktops ballot- at l?retoria. resulted in a small majority, against a. strike.