South Africa.

Manawatu Herald, 26 March 1903, Page 2

South Africa.

A “ White League ” has been formed in Johannesburg against the importation of all labour except that which is white.

Mr J. X. Merriman, in a speech at Barclay East, said he hoped soon that they would have self-govern-ment for the whole of South Africa under the British flag. Any future cleavage would not be racial but would probably be that of town versus country. He trusted that the remainder of his life would be devoted to true peace and prosperity, THE NAVAL SUBVENTION A keen struggle is proceeding between the political parties respecting a further naval subvention. Mr Hofmeyr refuses to act contrary to the wishes of the Bond Parliamentary party. The “ Cape Times ” anticipates a a record surplus, and insists on a readjustment of taxation, and further helps to Imperial defence. The recruits arriving in South Africa are nicknamed, ‘ Brodricka ’ by the seasoned troops, owing to their youthfulness. Questioned in regard to the age of these men, Lord Stanley, Financial Secretary to the War Office, replied that there was no limit fixed for the age of recruits sent in time of peace to South Africa, which was suitable training ground.

The Marquis of L'anadowne, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said in receiving a deputation representing the Scottish Missionary Societies, that the experiment of drafting labour from Central Africa to the Witwatersrand was limited to one thousand natives The experiment, the Minister stated, .would be closely ’watched, and if it proved detrimental it would not be extended Sir W F Hely-Hutchinson, Governor of Cape Colony, has begun the release of political prisoners. All are to be released tins week.