SITUATION ON RAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18050, 27 March 1922, Page 7

SITUATION ON RAND.

SEVERE BLOW TO UNIONISM.

FREE MARKET IN LABOUR.

A. and N.Z. CAPETOWN. March 24. The general secretory of the South African Industrial Federation, Mr. Crawford, who was turned out by the extremists when the general strike was declared, states that so far as he known there is no truth in statements to the effect that large sums were received by cable from Washington and Amsterdam in support of the strike. On the contrary, a cablegram from the secretary of the International Federation of Trades Unions at Amsterdam stated that owing k European movements and Russian relief, support was impossible. ' It is generally accepted that trade > unionism on the Rand has received a Severe check. Employers who formerly ,; gave preference to trade unionists are ' ! „ow finding themselves able ti> p.ck and '; choose. There is practically a free mar- ' ket in labour, though victimisation is I denied. 1 i The municipal trams are now running I after 24 days' cessation. i General Grouts introduced in the House > of Assembly an Indemnity Bill, provid--5 ing for the withdrawal of martial law on 1 the Rand and the indemnification of 5 Government officers for acts committed ■ i in good faith during martial law. 3 ; General Hertzog asked if the Prime 5 ; Minister was prepared to apnoint a " j Parliamentary Commission to inquire into 1 happenings on the Rand. fc General Smuts repeated his former 6 tatement: "Not at this stage; Only if 1! it appears necessary as a result of the ' trials." General Hertzog demanded an inquiry • into tho administration of martial law 1 i before the Bill was agreed to. -1 The speaker raised the question of 1 ! w },ether it would be constitutional to ape point a Parliamentary Commission simulf, Lneously with the Courts to inquire into r I identical facts. i I }[ r Boydslli Labour Leader, also dei'manded an inquiry, and suggested that e, tne League of Nations should appoint a body for that purpose.