THE COLOUR BAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 108, 7 April 1936, Page 9

THE COLOUR BAR

SOUTH AFRICAN BILL. MINISTER’S UNUSUAL ACTION. CRITICISAI OF AIEASURE. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received April 7, 10.20 a.m. CAPETOWN, April 6.

The closing of the sitting of the joint Parliamentary session on the Native Representation Bill was marked by an unusual incident, although the necessary two-thirds majority was assured.

The Alinister of the Interior (Hon. J. H. Hofmeyr) bluntly announced his intention to vote against the Bill because, as far as the Assembly was concerned, it created a colour bar. f The definition of the term “native” would degrade an ever-increasing number of coloured • people. The creation of a native voters’ roll was contrary to the spirit of the Act of Union. He forecast that the Bill would make educated natives who were denied political equality leaders in disaffection and revolt among their own people.^ European sympathisers, led by Sir James Itose-lnnes and Archbishop Phelps, issued a manifesto protesting against the organisation of the electorate on racial lines.

All* Hofmeyr’s opposition to the Bill is bound, to lead to serious repercussions.