South African Strike

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 186, 5 February 1914, Page 5

South African Strike

INDEMNITY BILL CONDEMNED.

SIIOULD HAVE FACED THE MUSIC. METHODS OF BANDITS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received 4, 5.30 p.m. London, February 4. Mr. Sampson, Labor Whip at Capetown, cabled t j the English Labor Party stating the Indemnity Bill contains unprecedented terms, and the probability was that it would be passed before Britain was aware of the contents. TII2 African party lacked the money to cable, but urges that Lord Gladstone bo instructted to cable officially.

I The Times, in a leader, says that General Botha and his colleagues would have been letter advised to face the music w:th alacrity at the first opportunity. Capetown, February 3. r lhe Rand papers, with the censorship removed, declare the Ministry adopted the methods of bandits.

RAILWAYME.VS GRIEVANCES. DEPORTEDS' WIVES AND CHILDREN. Received 4, 11.30 p.m. Capetown, February 3. Mr. Burton, replying to a deputation ! of Cape railway drivers and firemen, aci cepted the suggestion for periodical Round-Table conferences to redress grievances. I The Bill indemnifies the GovernorGeneral, and Government of all acts throughout the Union, from January 8, six days prior to the proclaiming of martial law. The Minister of Justice said some deporteds wished their wives and children sent after them, and the wish would be carried out at the Government's expense. General Botha, in the Assembly, stated that the discussion of naval defence with the Imperial Government was interrupted by Mr. Fischer's death, but would be resumed shortly.

LORD GLADSTONE DEFENDED.

London, February 3.

Mr Samuel, Postmaster-General, speak'ing at Harrowgate, said whether the deportations of strikers were wise or unwise, it was not the function of a member of the Government in one portion of the Empire to condemn or commend the actions of another. Whatever view was taken of the merits of the case, the responsibility of what was done did not rest with Lord Gladstone. The constitutional relationship of Lord Gladstone to his Ministers did not require his assent. This method was adopted, and his assent was not asked.

QUEENSLAND FARMERS' APPROVAL. Brisbane, February 4. A meeting of the national executive of the Queensland Fanners' Union resolved to cable to the South African Governmeat its approval of its splendid handling of the strike in the interests of law and order. The gathering expressed strong approval of General Botha's methods. The resolution w.is carried to the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow," • •

BRITISH MINERS' PROTEST. London, February 3. The executive of the Miners' Federation in Britain unanimously passed a resolution protesting against the South African Government's declaration of martial law and deportation. It also demanded Lord Gladstone's recall. APPEAL TO THE COMMONS. Capetown, February 3. The Assembly agreed to receivo on Thursday counsel's petition for leave to appeal to the bar of the House in defence of the deported' men, when the Indemnity 1 Bill is being discussed.