SOUTH AFRICA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 4 January 1927, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA

LABOUR PARTY CONGRESS CONGRATULATIONS TO HERTZOG THE FLAG CONTROVERSY (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & M Z. Gable b ssouiatiou) CAI.'ETOWN, 3rd Jim. Opening Hie Labour Early aiinuiil congi'ess aL Bloemfontein .Mr ('reswell said the Premier authorised him to stale that the Flag Bill would be proceeded with"; but an addition was suggested by the inclusion r.<f the Imperial Crown. The Government would consider the adoption of the Royal Standard, which would eliminate the idea that it was intended to ignore connection with the Empire. This, however, would necessitate cessation of party strife and the consent of the Opposition as. they could not petition the King for. the use of the domestic symbol of the Royal House except as a united people. Mr Boydell, referring to the suggested reorientation of parties, said the Labour Party in any base would maintain separate identify. It could never co-operate with a combined South African Nationalist Party.

An animated ■ debate followed a proposed resolution congratulating General Ifert/.og on the success of his labours at tiie Imperial Conference, expressing the conviction that his declaration would promote the unification of the white races in South Africa, and expressing the belief that the proposed [lag .settlement would he tin additional factor in promoting national unity. Several members strongly protested against being asked to commit themselves <vn the flag .question arid demanded that the resolution he separated.

The resolution was carried with tori dissentients.