A TRYING PERIOD

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10848, 14 March 1921, Page 5

A TRYING PERIOD

SOUTH AFRICA’S OUTLOOK

GOVERNOR’S' SPEECH AT OPEN-ING-OF PARLIAMENT. WOMEN DEMAND SUFFRAGE. Bv Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March 12, 5.5 p.m.) CAPETOWN, March 11. ' The speech of the Governor-General, Prince Arthur of Connaught, at the opening of Parliament, contained no surprises. It stated that terms of the •south-west mandate would be submitted for information. The Speech referred to the stagnation of trade and industry, resulting in unemployment and (social unrest throughout the world. It was now suddenly affecting South Africa, hence it was proposed to concentrate attention as far as possible on measures necessary to cope with the financial and economic situation. The construction of railways was recommended, as it would create additional opportunities for employment; also measures to safeguard certain industries against unfair competition from overseas owing to the existing abnormal conditions.

Mr Krige ywae re-elected Speaker, and Senator Van Heerden President of the Senate, thus displacing exPresident Reitz, who had occupied the office since the Union was formed.

General Smuts (Prime Minister), replying to a deputation of women, who presented a petition containing 55,000 signatures, seeking women suffrage, said that an endeavour would be made in the coming session to give an opportunity to deal with the question. The Government would not make the question a party issue. He added: “You are supporting a great cause, which must, and should, wm in this or a subsequent session.”