MARTIAL LAW

Taranaki Daily News, 11 March 1922, Page 5

MARTIAL LAW

WARFARE IM AFRICA. SERIOUS OUTRAGES. MOB LAW SPREADING. THE STRIKE DEVELOPS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received March 11, 1.10 a.m. Capetown, March 10. Martial law has been proclaimed. Great excitement prevails amongst the natives, but there is general testimony as to their law-abiding behaviour under great provocation. Simultaneously with the proclamation of martial law a- battle commenced between the strikers’ commandos and police at Benoni and Brakpan and on the whole of the far east Rand. A big meeting of strikers at Vrededorp passed a resolution declaring that the strike will only be called off on the resignation of the Government. There has been a remarkable response to the proclamation calling out the defence force, large numbers registering. The Robinson mine has closed down owing to strike losses and shaft troubles. The railway workshops ballot at Pretoria resulted in a small majority against B strike.—Reuter Service. MAIL TRAIN DERAILED. CASUALTIES IN FIGHTING. Capetown, March 9. The Johannesburg-Cape mail train wag derailed last night near Germiston. There were no casualties. The derailment wag a deliberate act caused by loosening a rail and stretching a chain aerosg. The engine turned over. A number of railwaymen have left work under protest. They stated it was impossible to continue without additional protect ion. The distribution of meat and bread has practically ceased. The water supply maintained by departmental officials, and the sanitary services are seriously interfered with. Natives engaged in the services are afraid to continue work. Yesterday’s casualties were 16 killed and 40 wounded. The benaviour of the natives so far is declared to have been exemplary. The Durban Light Infantry has been ordered to mobilise. A proclamation has been issued which states that the Government has information that the deliberate and unprovoked attacks on natives are designed to stampede the colored population and. give the impression throughout the country that a native rising on the Rand is imminent. The Government assures the country that the collisions are due to the natives trying to defend themselves against aggressive and unlawful acts, and promises protection to all concerned in railway running. The staff has agreed to maintain a limited service, the management undertaking to provide for special protection of th'e men and their families. In the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Merriman moved the adjournment in order to discuss the situation arising out of the attacks on natives. He urged that severe measures be taken to suppress the outrages.

General Smuts hoped the House would strongly denounce outrages, and read a telegram stating that a large body of armed natives marching on Vrededorp were turned buck by the officials. General Smuts added that the lawless revolutionary bands were marching about murdering the natives and interfering with law-abiding citizens. The Government could not continue its policy of patience and forbearance, and the consequences would be upon those who did these lawless acts. Durban is the first centre outide Johannesburg to respond to the call for a general strike, which the local federation decided to proclaim from to-morrow afternoon.

The strikers at Johannesburg hoisted the Red Flag on the main flagstaff in front of the Town Hall, and have vowed that, the commandos will close every business in the town. Large forces of police are held in readiness at vantage grounds, ready to be rushed to any threatened point. The East and West Rand are completely under mob law. The commandos swear to close down the whole Witwatersrand.

The newspaper Star, in a stinging article, demands the ending of mob rule, which has reigned three days, by a declaration of martial law. The Star denounces General Smuts’ fancy about facing bloodshed.