VOTES FOR COLOUREDS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29250, 7 July 1960, Page 13

VOTES FOR COLOUREDS

“Move Likely In Transvaal” JOHANNESBURG, July 6. The South African Government is considering giving limited voting rights to coloured (mixed blood) people in Transvaal Province, the Johannesburg newspaper, “Die Vaderland." reported yesterday. The newspaper, of which the Prime Minister (Dr. Verwoerd) was once editor, said coloured voters would not be on the same electoral roll as the whites but would be represented in Parliament by one white man. About 50.080 eligible coloured voters in the Transvaal would have the same political rights as about 300.000 coloured voters in Cape Province, the newspaper said. This “new deal” for coloured people, it declared, would give them five members of Parliament and five Senators.

The extension of voting rights to the Transvaal coloureds was aimed at improving conditions for coloureds in line with the Government’s policy that they must be considered as “allies” of the whites. “Die Vaderland" said. Political observers in Johannesburg believe the South African referendum to decide whether the Union will become a Republic will probably be held on October 12 or 19. the British United Press reports.

On Saturday, Dr. Verwoerd said that the executive of Hie Nationalist Party would decide in August when the referendum would be held.

Freneb League Win.—The touring French Rugby League team today beat Ipswich by 33 points to 19. France led 18-12 at halftime.—Brisbane. July 5.