SOUTH AFRICA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10290, 27 May 1919, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA

VARIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST SPREAD OF BOLSHEVISM REPORTED. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cabin Association. (Received May 26, 7.30 p.m.) CAPETOWN. May 21. In the Assembly the Minister for Railways announced that the Imperial Government had decided to give the Union Government .£500,000 worth of railway material in recognition of national services rendered during tho war. . Tho Senate rejected a motion to abolish the present system of having a dual capital at Capetown and 1 retona, and to establish one central capital. SERIOUS POSITION OF GOLDMINING. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received Mav 26, 7.30 p.m.) CAPETOWN, May 21. Sir E. Wallers, president of tho Johannesburg mine, in a letter to the Premier, warns him of the critical position of the gold-mining industry. Nothing could now prevent a number of important mines from closing shortly. Sir E. Wallers urges Government consideration of the position in view of the unemployment and distress that must result therefrom. The Minister for Mines, interviewed, said tho Government realised the gravity of tho position, and was anxious to assist, but tho Government could not undertake to keep the mines working at a loss. It was considering the appointment of a Commission to inquire -into tho whole position, with special consideration _of the problem of the relation of native and coloured labour to the mines. The Cape Copper Company’s mine in Namaqualand, is closed and has thrown idle throe hundred Europeans and three thousand natives. WHEN REVOLUTION STRIKES. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received May 26, 7.30 p.m.) PRETORIA, May 21. Evidence is increasing of the spread of Bolshevism in certain quarters,_ and the constitution of an International Socialist League in the Transvaal, which states that special attention is to be paid to native workers, who must be educated in ordu) to found a Socialist Republic along with the whites when the hour of revolution strikes. CURTAILMENT OF PRIVILEGES OF ASIATICS. f ~ (Keuter's Telegram.) * (Received May 26. 8 p.m.) CAPETOWN. May 23. The Assembly has amended the Indians Bill to prevent Asiatics holding mortgages on property except ns security for bona, fide loan or investment ; also ’providing that any Asiatic company which acquired fixed property aftqt the first instant should dispose of it within a given period.

A clause was adopted Riving 'any is-' suing authority in the Transvaal’ tho right to refuse trading; licenses to Asiatics without assigning a reason.