Treason In the Transvaal

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 142, 20 June 1904, Page 4

Treason In the Transvaal

Seven men charged with high treason wera brought up for trial at Lyfenjjurg early in May. In the course or the evidence it was pointed out tbat Durand was the leader of the bang, which was formed with the Indention of rowing'banks tt.start a| revolution. Durand stated that Sthalk Burger, Kemp, Dolarey, and otn-«-a were connected with the movement, those who were recruited Joining at LydenJ>ure. . ■ . _ . The evidence indicated that Durand was the sole organiser and used the names of Boer generals to Induce others to go to Lydenburg, proposing in the event of failure, to retreat to German territory. The Qrown withdrew the charge against all except Durand. The Central News report states that the other members of the bund were four Dutchmen, named Vun KeiisUur.g, Bevbders, Groenwuld, and Klasse, and two British subjects named Hall and Ball. The chief witness was Hiimlrik R«ynder,forJ6l*amieiliiu>g. He Btutttl that he met'Durand there In January last. Durand told him to come to a certain place which had been selected as the rendezvous of the Lydcn''._|Lirg commando, and explained to l.iiii the plan of cumpaitjti, which was to seize Lyderiburg, its banks and mines, and initiate a revolution, With the ultimate object of Boer independence. Durand also stated that the plan included the Kx-lloer leader, Kemp, Uttackityj Krugersdorp, and, General Dolarey attucking Ilusten, Other for- ' cos under woll-known Boers wers to take Johannesburg and Pretoria simultaneously. | A S2Cret meeting took place at Dui'and'B house at Johannesburg in

February, where witness was shown a collection of arms and bandoliers. General Scliulk llurger was mentioned as one of the conspirators. Witness was arrested on his way to sec Schulk Burger In order to satisfy himself as to the roal facts. The accused inon and others were bound by dire oaths to secrecy, and an undertaking to secure the independence of the Transvaal or perish. On Wednesday Hoynder detailed tho meeting of the band at Lydenburg, and tlw.r wandering about the district making raids-. The band wa* Great ually tracked down by a strong detachnivnt 0/ the Houth African Constabulary, awl after being fusilladMd in a wood, in which they had sought refuge, surrendered to the police.