THE LATE GENERAL BOTHA.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 August 1919, Page 5

THE LATE GENERAL BOTHA.

THE PASSING OF A STRONG MAN. A STUNNING SHOCK, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Capetown, Aug. 28. The news of General Botha's death came as a stunning shock. He caught a chill a few days ago when on a visit to his farm, and was confined to bod on his return to Pretoria. Nothing serious was anticipated, but his illness took a sudden turn for the worse last night and lie passed away at midnight. Mrs. Botha and Captain 'Botha were present at the time of his death, but no other relatives, owing to its suddenness.

General Smuts as senior Minister will act as Premier.

General Botha's symptoms for some time past have been causing anxiety, apart from the fact of his periodical attacks of weakness for years. His work in Europe exhausted him, and the voyage to Africa was marked by ominous incidents. On the day of landing he was very weak, and intimate friends marvelled that he wa9 able to bear the strain of public receptions. Nevertheless, the full seriousness of the position was not realised. At five o'clock yesterday afternoon General Botha fell into a gentle sleep from which there was no awakening, and the end was absolutely peaceful.

It is understood that constitutionally the Cabinet ceases to exist on the death of the" Premier, and the GovernorGeneral, who has broken his journey to come to Pretoria, will nominate a successor.

The State funeral will take place on Saturday. News of the death caused universal grief; no statesman was more generally loved.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. Ottawa, Aug. 28. There is general regret at General Botha's death, and the flags are at halfmast. The press pay tributes to a gallant enemy and noble friend.

SIR ROBERT BORDEN'S TRIBUTE. Received Aug. 29, 5.5 p.m. Ottawa, Aug. 28. Paying a tribute to the memory of General Botha, the Premier (Sir Robert Borden), speaking with deep emotion, said that the late General was a remarkable and impressive character. He had a most generous nature, a broad vision, and sure political instinct. While in Paris, he consulted Sir Robert Borden as to whether he should accept the presidency of the Polish Commission." Sir Robert Borden, in view of the state of General Botha's health, advised him not to take the position, and General Botha complied.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S MESSAGE,

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Governor-General has sent the following reply to the official advice from the Governor-General of Sauth Africa relative to the death of General Botha: "I desire to associate myself with my Government and the people of New Zealand in expressing our deep sorrow at the news which your Excellency has conveyed to me, and to express our sincere sympathy with the Union /of South Africa in the great loss which it has sustained by the death of its distinguished Prime Minister. I should be grateful if your Excellency would also convey to the family of the late Genoral 'Botha an expression of our grief at their loss."