SOUTH AFRICA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, Issue LXV, 3 December 1913, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

LORD CREWE AND THE INDIAN

RY CABLE— PEESB ASSOCIATION— COPYBIGHI. LONDON, Dec 2. In introducing the deputation to Lord Crave, Sir Mancherjee Bhownagree said that it was the Imperial Government's duty to mediate ,between the Indians and the South African Government. The deputation asked for the release of passive resisters, for removal of the racial bar, and the abolition of the poll-tax.' Lord Crewe replied that the South African Government , contended that though the laws were restrictive owing to the demands of South African public opinion, yet they had been so easily operated that no practical grievance existed: Some minor officials might be stupid or given to "red tape" methods, and others might be so racially prejudiced that they did not wish to administer the laws leniently. The Indians did not claim that thei South African Government ought' to legalise polygamy, but polygamous, communities I had, heen decided to be a reasonable I consideration in India. Though every statement need not be adopted as proved facts, yet it was evident that grounds existed for serious enquiry. Sir Ghandi was a man of high ideals. At the same time, the South African Ministers were honestly anxious to see the laws humanely administered. He «'fls ; bound to add that the South African leaders were often hampered by the existence of a, less enlightened { public opinion. The 60s poll-tax did not bring in a large revenue, and it did not seem to serve any useful purpose. The stories of flogging demanded enquiry. • '