RAND STRIKE.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17401, 11 March 1922, Page 11

RAND STRIKE.

SABOTAGE AND VIOLENCE. WARNING BY GOVEBNMENT. (By Oftblo—Press Association —Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association*)

OAPE TOWN, March 9. - The Johannesburg-Cape Towr. mail train was derailed last niglit near Germiston. There were no casualties. The derailment was a deliberate act, causecf by loosening a rail and stretching a chain across the line. The engine turned over.

A number of railwayman have left work under protest. They state it ia impossible to continue without additional protection. The railway running staff has Agreed to maintain a limited service, the management undertaking special protection of the men and their families.

The distribution of meat and bread in. Johannesburg has _ practically censed. The wator supply is maintained by departmental officials, but the sanitary services are seriously interfered with. The natives engaged in tho various services are afraid to oontinue work. Yesterday's casualties were 16 killed and 40 wounded. The behaviour of the natives so far is declared to be exemplary. The Durban X/ipbt Infantry has been ordered to mobilise.

? A proclamation has been issued, stating that the Government lifts information that the deliberate, unprovoked attacks on natives are designed to stampede the coloured population, and give* tho impression throughout the country that a native rising on tho Rand is imminent. The Government assmcs the country that the collisions are due to the natives trying to defend themselves against aggressive, unlawful acts, and promises protection to all concerned. Johannesburg strikers hoisted «■ Tod flag on the main flagstaff in front of the Town Hall, and vowed that their commandos would close every business place in the city. The pohoo are in. The East find West Rand are completely under mob law, and the commandos threaten to close down the vhole of the Witwatersr&tid newspapers. Tho Johannesburg "Star," in calling for martial law, denounce? the hesitancy of the Prime Minister in facing bloodshed.

In tlio Legislative Assembly, Sir John. X. Merrim.m moved the adjournment in order to discuss the situation arising out of the Attacks on nittires. 110 urges tlhat severe measures be taken to suppress the outrages. The Prime Minister, G-anennl Smuts, 6aid he hoped the House would fltrondy denounce the outrages. He read a telegram stating that a'large body of armed natives, marching on Vmdedorp, xvna turned back bv officials. General Smuts added that kwlew, revolutionary bands •were marching about murdering natives and interfering with law-nbiding citizens. The Government could not continue its polioy of patients and forbearance. The confluences would be upon those who did these lawta® acts.

GENERAL STRIKE CALL. RESPONSE IN DURBAN. CAPE TOWN, March 9. - Durban is tihe first centre outside Johannesburg to respond to tho oall for e general strike, which t)he local branch of the Industrial Federation has decided to proclaim from to-morrow aftariioon.

MARTIAL LAW PROCLAIMED.

FIGHTING BETWEEN' STRIKERS AND POLICE. (Received March 11th, 1 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, March 10. Martial law has been proclaimed. Great excitement prevails amongst the native?, but there is general testimony as to their lawrabiding behaviour under great provocation. A big meeting of strikers at Vrededorp passed a resolution that the strike would 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 of men registering for service. Tho Rooinson mine has closed down owing to strike losses and shaft troubles. The railway workshops ballot at Pretoria results in a amall majority against a strike. ' vJKeUter'f 'i'el«?Vaau 1 CAPE TOWN, March 10. Simultaneously with the proclamation of martial law, battles have commenced between the strikers' commandos and the police at Benoni, Brakpan, and tha whole Far East Rand.