SOUTH AFRICA.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1921, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

OBSTINATE FANATICS. SUFFER HEAVY CASUALTIES. By'i Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Capetown, May 23. The native sect Israelites, who settled at Bullhoeck, A-nere u'ney were gradually building up a village, refused to be moved from what they termed Jehovah’s ground until commanded by Jehovah, and openly defied the authorities The Government displayed the greatest patience during the negotiations, but the Israelites persisted fanatically in their defiant attitude.

All peaceful means having failed, a police force of 800 strong ihis morning demanded the surrender of the village, but were suddenly attacked. The police, desirous of avoiding bloodshed, refrained from firing until the last moment, and then opened with a volley which brought the natives’ rush to a complete standstill. The village, which was subsequently surrendered, will be destroyed tomorrow.

It is reported there were 130 Israelite casualties, half of whom were killed.

STATEMENT BY PREMIER.

Oaptown, May 24. Replying to a question in the Assembly, the Premier made a statement about the Bullhoeck affair, which he said none regretted more than the Government. He detailed the prolonged efforts to obtain a peaceful settlement by sending General Devneter, and subsequently members of the Native Commission, to discuss the matter with the natives, who still persisted in an attitude of defiance on religious grounds, claiming to be under the protection of Jehovah.

It was fully explained that the Government had no intention x of interfering with or suppressing any religions, but was bound to see that the law was enforced. The instructions to the police were not to resort to violence, except as a last resort, and the instructions were carried out to the letter. He was fully convinced that there was no alternative but to fire.

A message from Queenstown states that the killed numbered 100. The firing lasted only ten minutes.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

CHARGE TO DEATH. OVER THREE HUNDRED CASUALTIES. Received May 26, 8.10 p.m. Capetown, May 24. A Queenstown message states the fanaticism of the Isrealites astounded all observers. They charged into the very muzzles of the police rifles and machine-guns, which worked terrible havoc. Military doctors assisted till exhausted, and th® police zealously, attended wounded natives throughout’ the night. The latest figures of the natives’ casualties to-night are 320, more than half of whom are dead.—Reuter Service.