THE REGISTRATION ACT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 5, 7 January 1908, Page 4

THE REGISTRATION ACT.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS.

(Received Jan. 6, 9.36 p.m.)

PRETORIA, Jan. 6. Mr Smuts, speaking at Pretoria r declared that the Government did not expect the Registration Act to cause so much trouble. There were thousands of false permits in existence.

One good effect of the new Act, said Mr Smuts, had been to frighten out of the Transvaal 5000 Indians who had no right there. Of the 9500 who remained, 5000 were licensed to trade. Thousands were willing to register if they were not intimidated. They might be allowed another chance of registering, but no mercy would be shown to the leaders of the agitation j the law would be carried out.