AFRICAN DEPORTATIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8648, 5 February 1914, Page 5

AFRICAN DEPORTATIONS

LORD GLADSTONE’S POSITION RESPONSIBILITY NOT HIS. By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyrlgin LONDON, February 3. Mr Herbert Samuel, PostmasterGeneral, speaking at Harrogate, said that, whether the deportations of Labour leaders from South Africa wore wise or unwise, it was not the function of a member of a Government of one portion of the Empire to condemn or commend the actions of another, whatever view was taken of the merits of the case. Responsibility for what had been done did not rest with Lord Gladstone; the constitutional relationship between Lord Gladstone and his Ministers did not require his assent to the method adopted, and his assent had not been asked. FARMERS APPROVE. ‘ OF GENERAL BOTHA’S METHODS. BRISBANE, February 4. A meeting of the National Executive of the Queensland Farmers Union resolved to cable to the South African Government its approval of the splendid handling of the strike in the interests of law and order. The gathering expressed strong approval of General Botha’s methods. The resolution was carried to the singing of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”-

MINERS PROTEST. DEMAND LORD GLADSTONE’S RECALL. LONDON, February 3. The executive of the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain unanimously passed a resolution protesting against the South African Government’s declaration of martial law and its deportations of Labour leaders; also demanding Lord Gladstone’s recall. DEPORTEES’ COUNSEL. LEAVE TO APPEAR AT BAR OF HOUSE. CAPETOWN, February 3. The Assembly agreed to receive on Thursday next counsel’s petition for leave to appear at the Bar of the House in defence of the deported men, when the Indemnity Bill will be discussed. * INDEMNITY BILL. UNPRECEDENTED TERMS.

(Tiar»es— Sydney “Sun’* Special Cables.) (Received February 4, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 3. Mr Sampson, Labour Whip in the South African Parliament, has cabled to the English Labour party stating that the Indemnity Bill contains unprecedented terms, and that there is a probability of it being passed before Britain is aware of the contents. The African Labour party, he states, lacks the money to cable the Bill in full, and he urges that Lord Gladstone be instructed to cable it officially. “The Times,” in a leading article, says General Botha and his friends would have been better advised to face the music with alacrity at the first opportunity. • ' METHODS OF BANDITS. WHAT THE RAND PAPERS SAY. . (Times—Sydney "Sun” Special Cables.) (Received February 4) 5.30 p.m.) CAPETOWN, February 3. The Rand papers, with the censorship removed, declare that the Ministry adopted the methods of bandits. INDEMNITY BILL. WHAT IT PROVIDES. (Received February 4, 11.30 p.m.) CAPETOWN, February 4. Mr Burton (Munster for Railways and Harbours), replying to a deputation of Cape railway drivers and firemen, accepted a suggestion that periodical round-table conferences should be held to redress grievances. The Indemnity Bill indemnifies the Governor and the general Government against all acts done throughout the Union from January Bth, six days prior to martial law being established.

The Minister for Justice said that some of the deporteds wished their wives and children to be „ sent after them. ’ The wish would be carried out at the Government’s exepnse.