CAPE LEGISLATORS ANGRY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 135, 5 June 1909, Page 4

CAPE LEGISLATORS ANGRY.

"NO INTERFERENCE !'* (Received June 4, 11.20 p.m.) CAPETOWN, June 4. Referring to the statements made by Colonel Seely, Undersecretary for the Colonies, in the House of Com- * mons, that amendments to the South African Constitution would possibly be made in London, Mr J. X. Merriman, Premier of Cape Colony, speaking at Capetown described it as a i typical official speech; he loosed off without regarding Colonial feeling. Colonel Seely's speech was the more . amazing because he was the spokesman of the party which attacked Mr Chamberlain, when the Commonwealth Bill was before the House of Commons, for introducing amendments at variance with Australian v vie.ws. Mr J. W. Saver declared that '/as surely as the sun shines, once union is accomplished we will not tolerate ■ interference with our affairs."

The Colonial Office has issued an explanation stating that it. is not intended to alter the Constitution except as regards its technical phraseology.