SOUTH AFRICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2423, 11 February 1909, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

GABLE NEWS

THE NEW UNION. DRAFT CONSTITUTION. United Press Association. Copyright (Received Feb. 10, 10.05 p.m.) CAPETOWN, Feb. 10. Tlio Draft Constitution of tlie South African Federation, which is hereafter to bo called “The Union,” provides lor a Governor-General with a salary of £IO,OOO a year;'an Executive Council empowered to nominate eight senators; a Senate, to consist of forty, members, each province electing eight, the present colonial Parliaments choosing them in the first illstance, land the provincial councils subsequently; a House of Assembly, comprising fifty-one members for Cape Colony, seventeen for Natal, seventeen for Orangia, and thirty-six for the Transvaal, all members to be of European descent; Federal constituencies to be delimited on the basis of European adult male population; quinquennial redistribution of seats on the principle of proportionate representation ; a single transferable vote ; English and Dutch languages to have equal privileges; each province to be administered by an Administrator nominated by the Gov-ernor-General; an Executive Committee and Provincial Council with carefully deliminated powers; a Federal Court of Appeaj to be with power of appeal to the Privy Council. The Union assumes all assets and debts, and takes over Civil servants, and, as compensation for acquiescence in the dual capital compromise, pays Pietermaritzburg and Bloemfontein two per centum of their municipal debts for twenty-five years. On the other hand, if it is found necessary, Capetown and Pretoria are to be allowed one per centum of their municipal debts. Railways and ports are to be vested in three commissioners and Cabinet Ministers. With a view to promote tlie settlement of agricultural industrial populations, tin' interests of native populations areenrefully safeguarded. The sale of liquor to natives is prohibited.