THE RAND STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1922, Page 3

THE RAND STRIKE.

FOREIGN SUPPORT DENIED. DEBATE IN THE ASSEMBLY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Capetown, March 24. Mr. Crawford, general secretary of the South African Industrial Federation, who was turned out by the extremists when a general strike was declared, states that so far as he knows there Ls no truth fn statements circulated to the effect a large sum of money had been received by cable from Washington and Amsterdam in support of the strike. On the contrary, a cable from the secretary of the International Federation of Trade Unions at Amsterdam stated that owing to European movements and Russian relief support was impossible. It is generally accepted that _ trade unionism on the Rand has received a severe check. Employers who formerly gave preference to trade unionists are now finding themselves able to pick and choose. There is practically a free market in labor, though they deny victimisation.

The municipal trams are now running after 24 days’ cessation.

General Smuts introduced in the Assembly an Indemnity Bill providing for the withdrawal of martial law on the Rand and indeapnifying Government officers for acts committed in good faith during martial law. General Hortzog asked if the Premier was prepared to appoint a Parliamentary Commission to inquire into happenings on the Rand. General Smuts repeated his former statement: “Not at this stage; only if it appeared necessary as a result of the trials.” General Hertzog demanded an inquiry into the administration of martial law before the Bill was agreed to. The Speaker raised the question whether it was constitutional to appoint a ParHamentlary Comnlission '’simultaneously with courts to inquire into identical faits. Mr. Boydell, a Labor leader, also demanded an inquiry, suggesting that the League of Nations appoint a body for that purpose. The Women’s Enfranchisement Bill second reading was negatived by 55 to 51. General Smuts and a majority of the Government voted for the Bill.

The Senate rejected by 17 to 12 a motion by ex-President Reitz in favor of the complete abolition of the Privy Council. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.