‘Nyasaland Should Stay Federated’

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28981, 24 August 1959, Page 11

‘Nyasaland Should Stay Federated’

(N.Z Press Association-Copyright)

(Rec. 1130 p.m.) BLANTYRE (Nyasaland), August 22. Nyasaland should remain within the

Rhodesian Federation, but become selfgoverning in territorial functions, probably in stages, the governing Nyasaland United Federal Party said in a policy statement published today.

Africans must have a greater share in Government, as they gained experience, and the first step should be to increase the number of unofficial African members in the Legislative Council by one, to give parity with non-African unofficial members, and two Africans should be appointed to the Executive Council.

members should take particular interest in African agriculture and education, and nonAfricans might do the same with the question of development. As unofficial members gained experience in handling portfolios there should be a progressive reduction in official representation and a corresponding increase in unofficial representation until full self-government was achieved. Opportunities in the civil service should be available to all nets— advancement being by merit only—and there should be freedom of movement of all people of good character within the federation provided the land rights of people were guaranteed. The party will strive for removal of unnecessary discriminatory practices, bearing in mind the rights of various races to preserve their identity and social customs where these are not incompatible with civilised and good governmen,” the statement said.