RAND REVOLT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18514, 27 March 1922, Page 5

RAND REVOLT

SET-BACK TO TRADEUNIONISM. FREE MARKET IN LABOUR^ ■' VICTIMISATION DENIED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. CAPETOWN, March 24. Mr Crawford, general secretary of the South African Industrial Federation, who was turned out by the extremists when a general strike was declared, states that so far as he knows there is no jtruth in the statements circulated to the effect that a large sum was received by cable from Washington and Amsterdam in support of the strike. On the contrary, a cable from the secretary for the International Federation of Trade Unions at Amsterdam stated that owing to European movements and Russian relief support was impossible, and trade unionism on the Rand had received a severe check. Employers who formerly gave preference to trade unionists are now finding themselves able to pick and choose. There is practically a free market in labour, though they deny victimisation. Municipal trams are now running, after 24 days’ cessation.—A. and N.Z. Cable. OPPOSITION DEMANDS INQUIRY. CAPETOWN, March 24. General Smuts introduced in the Assembly an indemnity Bill providing for the withdraway of martial law on the Rand and indemnifying Government officers for acts committed in good faith during martial law. Mr Hertzog asked if the Prime Minister was prepared to appoint a Parliamentary Commission -to inquire into the happenings on the Rand. General Smuts repeated his former statement—not at'this stage; only if it appeared necessary as a result of trials. Mr Hertzog demanded an inquiry into the administration of martial law before the Bill waa agreed to. The Speaker raised the question whether it was constitutional to appoint a Parliamentary Commission simultaneously with the courts to inquire into identical facts. Mr Boydell (Labour leader) also demanded „an inquiry, suggesting that the League of Nations should appoint a body for that purpose.—A. and N.Z. Cable.