AN UNPOPULAR RUMOUR

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6963, 1 November 1909, Page 5

AN UNPOPULAR RUMOUR

ME GLADSTONE’S APPOINTMENT AROUSES KEEN CRITICISM IN SOUTH AFRICA. A NAME OF BITTER MEMORY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received October 31, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 30. A very bitter discussion is proceeding in the South African colonies over the rumour that Mr Herbert Gladstone, Home Secretary, is to be appointed first Governor-General when the Union of South Africa is accomplished. Many object to a name,which is associated with the bitterest’ controversy in South African history. The Natal “ Mercury ” says it is “ the worst possible selection, 1 ’ and the Transvaal “Loader” remarks that “Mr Gladstone’s experience with the, Suffragettes may qualify him to handle the Asiatic passive, resistors 1” The Johannesburg “Star” says: “If the choice were limited to the present Cabinet we might go further and'fare worse.” 1 ■. “ The Times ” strongly opposes the appointment of a member of the Government to any of the three great positions that will shortly be vacant—in India, Canada, and South Africa—and especially “ the appointment of failures or nonentities.”