NO APPEAL UNDER MARTIAL LAW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11843, 21 December 1901, Page 5

NO APPEAL UNDER MARTIAL LAW.

London, December 19. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, considering it impossible under martial law to impugn the military authorities' action, have refused David Marais leave to appeal against the decision of the Supreme Court of the Cape Colony declining to order his release. Marais was an auctioneer residing at Paarl, in Cape Colony, and a notary public of the Supreme Court at the Cape. He was arrested in August last under instructions from the military authorities and lodged in prison. Marais appealed on the grounds that he was detained without trial and that no specific charge was brought against him, but the Chief Justice refused to grant an appeal as his arrest was made under martial law, and the Court could not exercise jurisdiction over a prisoner so long as martial law lasted. The case was then taken to the Privy Council with the result stated. DISLOYAL FARMERS. (Received December 20, 10.57 p.m.) London, December 20. Fourteen farmers in the Oudshoorn district have been imprisoned and fined for not reporting the enemy. NARROW ESCAPE OF A COMMANDANT. (Received December 20, 10.57 p.m.) London, December 20. When Commandant 53adenhorst was captured Commandant Beyer narrowly escaped. COLONIAL CASUALTIES. (Received December 21, 12.57 a.m.). London, December 20. 1 The following casualties are reported : Victorians—Private Whelan, ; died of wounds Farrier-Sergeant Wallace, severely wounded. Queenslanders — Trooper Roberts and < Lance-Corporal Murphy, died of en- ' teric. New South Welshmen t Private Oldham, killed at Witkraus ; >. Private Pitt, died of enteric. ARMY CONTRACTS. ! Melbourne, December 20. 5 Large army contracts for hay and otuer j produce for South Africa have been secured locally..

THE JOHANNESBURG EXCHANGE.; (Seceived December 21, 12.57 a.m.) London, December '20. The Johannesburg Exchange has been opened and has caused a favourable effect on the Paris Bourse. THE QUESTION OF AN AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT. London', December 19. ■ The ' Federal Contingent resolution adopted in the -Victorian Assembly is commented upon by the newspapers. The Australians' magnificent services are reviewed, and the hope is expressed that every offer of further help will be accepted. , „ Sydney, December 20. The Premier, in reply to a question, reiterated his statement that he considered New South Wales had done' her part in sending troops to South : Africa, and he was not prepared to ask Parliament to incur further expense unless at the instance of the Federal ■ Government. New Zealand was in a different position, and could play off her own bat. Hobart, December 20. . The Premier states that the Cabinet favours sending a Federal Contingent, and is of opinion the Federal Government should move in the matter. He supports a conference of Premiers to discuss the matter. . (Received December 21, 12.23 a.m.) Sydney, December 20. Mr. Barton states that he intends to wait till the Imperial authorities officially announce exactly what is required before moving in the matter of sending a contingent. ____________