Rhodesia Has Empire's Smallest Parliament

Northern Advocate, 19 April 1947, Page 3

Rhodesia Has Empire's Smallest Parliament

THE opening by His Majesty the King of Southern Rhodesia’s Parliament in Salisbury provided an interesting object lesson on the similarity of spirit and outlook enshrined in British institutions throughout the world. Though the size may vary, the form differs only, due to absolute necessity, while even so no matter what variation of circumstances may dictate the essence remains unchangingly the same.

The Parliament at Salisbury is the smallest in the British Commonwealth, with the House comprising only 30 members, yet the ceremony was performed by His Majesty with all the dignity traditionally associated with older and more famous legislatures. To one who had hegrd the King—within the space of a few weeks — speak from the Thrones at Westminster, Capetown and Salisbury, it was indeed a moving example of the firm basis of affectionate kingship and common ideals of government which underlies the unvarying nature of political and social institutions throughout the Commonwealth. FUNDAMENTAL UNITY The Royal Family has enjoyed a short spell of relaxation in Southern Rhodesia after the crowded programme of the South African tour, during which all have been captivated by the cordiality and sincerity of the King and Queen. This self-governing colony well illustrates in its short history both the diversity and fundamental unity of the British Commonwealth. It was first colonised less than 60 years ago by the renowned explorer, Cecil Rhodes, yet today it stands on the threshold of Dominion status. The first decade and a half of this century were busy and enterprising years. Railways were essential for progress since the territory is completely landlocked, with no navigable rivers to provide the oldest form of highroad to the sea.

Till then the form of government had been based on the Charter granted to British South Africa, similar to those which formed the basis of colonisation in North America and New Zealand.

This group of 33,000 Europeans and three-quarters of a million Africans, occupying over 150,000 square miles, soon demonstrated that the confidence in them was not misplaced. The first 10 years of responsible government were devoted to steady consolidation and expansion of developments initiated by the original settlers.

In addition, a large public works programme was started, the tobacco industry was encouraged, and secondary trades were established. Constitutional progress went hand in hand with economic development. GREATEST TEST

The greatest test came on the outbreak of the Second World War. Although this brought no ordeal by fire and bomb, yet no less than a tenth of the European population gave fulltime active service with Britain’s armed forces.

Southern Rhodesia further demonstrated her solidarity with the Mother Country and other members of the Commonwealth by providing bases, food supplies and part of the cost of that important element, the Empire Air Training Scheme. In addition the production of strategic raw materials and the industrial capacity were greatly expanded as a contribution to the common cause.

Accordingly, they came early and by 1900 main trunk lines to the east and south had been completed. After that development was rapid. Towns grew up, mines were opened, farms laid out and possibilities of new crops investigated, with tobacco proving the most important of these. By 1914 a thriving community was established. AIR TRAINING SCHEME During the First World War all but essential work was set aside so that the patriotic population could contribute in fullest measure towards the Commonwealth military effort. Very shortly after the peace treaty was signed, Britain accorded full independence to Southern Rhodesia, and in 1923 this new self-governing colony took her place in the British Commonwealth.

This test not only proved to the outside world that Southern Rhodesia had reached full maturity, but also gave convincing proof that her economy had strength and resilience justifying the highest hopes for the future. As a result, new projects for making fuller use of potential hydro-electric power are being initiated. Big iron ore deposits are also being opened, and large areas of land—at present untilled due to lack of water—are to be rendered suitable for cultivation by means of intensive irrigation. It is a territory abundantly endowed with mineral and agricultural resources. NATIVE LOYALTY African members of the community have been most eager to offer a token of their great affection and loyalty for

the Royal Family, and two big gatherings of chiefs have been arranged. The first of these was held at Salisbury, where the King met those from the eastern half of the colony. An address of welcome from the assembled chieftains was presented to His Majesty, who made a formal reply to their greetings. He said: “I am very glad to be here today to thank you in person not only for your loyalty during the war, which I never doubted, but also for your very considerable contributions to the war effort of this colony. “We have overcome our enemies on the field of battle, but here —as in Britain and other countries —difficult times lie ahead. “These difficulties, like our enemies, can and will be overcome, but only by hard work and devotion to duty such as shown by all during the war. “I feel sure that I can count on your help to the full in the common effort which will be necessary if this colony is to advance and prosper as it deserves.” STRENGTH OF EMPIRE The outstanding success of the Royal visit to South Africa is demonstrating to the world that the cooperation of thought and action on which the Commonwealth is founded is still very much an actuality. The strength of this system of voluntary association has not in any way been weakened by constitutional changes, armed threats or the passing years, but maintains the unimpaired and unique flexibility characteristic of British institutions.