Africa.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 22, 12 September 1914, Page 5

Africa.

THE UNION PARLIAMENT.

EX-BOER LEADER STIRS US WITH HIS PATRIOTISM.

Capetown, September 11

In the Assembly, Mr Botha, the Premier, made a stirring speech. Hft said the Empire was involved ill one of the cruellest wars that had ever befallen humanity. If ever Great Britain had entered on war with clean hands, she did so now. For South Africans to forget loyalty to the Empire at this hour of trial would bo .scandalous, and would blacken South Africa in the eyes of the world; but such treason was Unknown among English and Dutch alike, whose duty and consicence bade them be faithful to the Empire. Dutchmen at such times would rather have the British than the German flag. He wished the House to realise that South Africa's future was being decided on the battlefields of Europe. (Cheers).

Mr Smartt assured the Government of Opposition support. Mr Creswell (Labor) welcomed the speech, and urged sending an expedition to fight by the side of the Allies. Mr Hertzog moved the adjournment, which was defeated by 85 to 12.

UNION RECEIVES SPLENDID SUPPORT FROM THE PEOPLE.

London, September 11

Reuter says the news that two German forces had crossed the Orange River spread like wild-fire through South Africa, and caused the greatest indignation. Without suggestion from the Imperial Government steps were immediately taken for dealing with German South-West Africa. Mr Botha telegraphed to London suggesting the withdrawal of the garrison of British troops and offering the whole military resources of South Africa to defend the Union, including native territory. The authorities are aware that large quantities of cannon, arms, and ammunition have been poured into German South-West Africa in the vain hope that the Boers would join the Germans when the trouble arose. The Union Government does not expect a walkover. The outburst of patriotism is remarkable. : High and low iri every province of the Union,'vie with offers of help. Farmers have ■ sent gifts of mealies, tobacco, and brandy as part of the Union's contribution to. the army and navy.

TROOP TRAIN DERAILED.

TOPPLES OYER EMBANKMENT.

• (Received 9.5 a.m.)" ~*' * Capetown, September 11. A Colonial troop train was derailed at Hex River pass and capsized over an embankment.

THIRTEEN KILLED

(Received 9.55 a.m.)

Five • hundred of the Kaffrarian Rifles were on the train. It was dusk, and she .was crawling down the steep winding pass. The engine.j left: the rails on a curve, fend ten coaches followed. ..and toppled down (twenty feet. Thirteen were killed. Tremendous efforts were made .to'. clear the line, which is a single one, as ten urgent trains en route to, Capetown were held up. GERMAN WEST AFRBCA.

FIGHTING IN THE CAMEROONS. BARE DETAILS TO HAND.

(Received 9.5 a.m.) London, September 11 (morning)

Some fighting has occurred in the Cameroons. Three British officers were killed, four wounded, and four are missing. All belonged to the Nigeria Regiment. Nothing has been published beyond the casualty list.

Cameroons.—A territory on the Bight of Biafra, West Africa, annexed in 1884. It has a. coast line of 200 miles. Inland it is bounded by Nigeria on the north-west and the French Congo on the south and west. Area 191,130 square miles. tion 3,500,000, of whom 1400 are Europeans.