SOUTH AFRICA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9464, 5 June 1909, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

THE CAPE ACCEPTS THE CONSTITUTION. United Press-Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Capetown, June 4. The Assembly at Capetown, Messrs Schreiner and Brigg alone dissenting, adopted the Constitution. Referring to statements made by Major Seely in the House of Co* o ' mbna that amendments to the South African Constitution will possibly he made in London, Mr J. Merriman speaking at Capetown, described it as a typical official speech, which had been loosed off without regarding colonial feeling. Major Seely’s speech was the more amazing because Ihe was the spokesman of a party which attacked Mr Chamberlain when the Commonwealth Bill was before the Commons for introducing amendments at - variance with Australian views. Mr J. W. Sauer declared ;•—“As surely as the sun shines, once union is accomplished we willfnot tolerate interference in our affairs. The Colonial Office has issued an explanation that it is not intended to alter the Constitution except in so far as technical phraseology is concerned. Pretoria, June 4. Premier Botha, speaking at the Assembly at Pretoria, declares that the Union was nearly wrecked at the late Bloemfontein Conference. The Transvaal : only .'abandoned proportional representation in the face of the gravest opposition. Other speakers emphasised disappointment at the withdrawal of proportional representation. WILL NATAL COME IN? Received June 5, b. 30 a.m. Durban,' Jnne 4. Natal will take a referendum upon the Constitution next week.