POWERS OF GOVERNOR

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29083, 21 December 1959, Page 15

POWERS OF GOVERNOR

Extension In Rhodesia (Rec. 11.10 p.m.) LUSAKA (Northern Rhodesia), December 19. A bill published in yesterday’s Northern Rhodesia Gazette seeks to replace the Emergency Powers Ordinance by providing the Governor with wide powers for the preservation of peace. The Acting-Chief Secretary (Mr R. A. Nicholson) said in a statement the bill was primarily intended to enable the Governor to take preventive action without having to invoke emergency powers.

The bill would enable the Governor, “if he was satisfied that it was necessary for thp preservation of public security to do so,” to control publications, prohibit or control assemblies, the movement of people, the acquisition, occupation and use of property and to regulate and control supplies and services.

If at any time the Governor was satisfied that the situation in the territory was so grave that these powers would be inadequate to ensure the preservation of public security, he could proclaim further regulations, including the power to detain persons or require them to do work. Mr Nicholson’s statement said there was a fear in the hearts of

many people which closed their mouths, making it difficult for the Government, with the present laws, to catch and punish criminals. The Public Security Bin, he said, would not oppress the people, but would only be used when necessary .to protect them from violence.