AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1922, Page 2

AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

.USIUALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ABBOCIAt * . CAPE LABOUR. CAPETOWN, March 24. Mr Crawford, General Secretary of flic South African Industrial Federation, states that, so far as he knows, there is no truth in the statements that have been circulated to the effect- that a large sum of money was received by cable from Washington and. Amsterdam in support of the Rand strike. On the contrary, l.e says, a cable from the Secretary of the International Federation of Trade Unions, at Amsterdam, stated that owing to the pean movements and the Russian relief support, it was impossible to help. It is generally accepted that trade unionism on the Rand received a severe check. The employers are now finding themselves able to pick and chooste, as there is practically a “free” market in labour. The employers deny that they are practising victimisation. Municipal trams are now starting running again, after 24 days’ cessation. General Smuts introduced in the Union Assembly an “Indemnity” Bill. While providing for a withdrawal of the martial law declared on the Rand, it means the indemnifying of the Government officers for all the acts they have committed in good faith during, the martial law, General Hertzog asked if the Premier was prepared to appoint a Parliamentary Commission to enquire into the happenings on the Rand. General Smuts repeated a former '" statement he had made, namely: “Not at this stage; and only if it appe'ared necessary as a result of the trials.” General Hertzog demanded an inquiry into the administration of the martial law, before this Bill was agreed to. The Speaker raised the question as to whether it would be constitutional to appoint a Parliamentary Commission simultaneously with the Courts to inquire into the identical facts. Mr Boydell (Labour Leader) also demanded that there be an enquiry. He suggested that the League of Nations should appoint a body for that purpose.

FEMALE SUFFRAGE. CAPETOWN, March 25. The Women’s Enfranchisement Bill* at its second reading was negatived by the Union Parliament by 55 votes to 51. General Smuts and a majority of bis Government voted for the Bill.

PRIVY COUNCIL. CAPETOWN, March 25. The Union Senate has rejected, by 17 votes to 12, a motion by dent Reitz, in favour of the complete abolition of the Privy Council.