SOUTH AFRICA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1914, Page 6

SOUTH AFRICA.

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 1.0 p.m.), Capetown, February 2. The galleries were crowded, and the House showed signs of excitement. The Speaker disallowed the Labor motion for an adjournment with a view to instructing the Government to intercept the ITmgeni. Mr Smuts (Minister for Defence) moved for leave to introduce the Indemnity Bill. ' Sir T. Smartt (Leader of Opposition) said he did not desire to oppose the motion, because it was the, Government's duty to maintain law and order at all hazards, but Mr Smuts should first have explained his reasons for proclaiming martial law and his actions thereunder.

Mr Cresswell (who was recently sentenced to imprisonment but released) moved an amendment which was equivalent to a motion of censure, and which was accepted, but only labor members supported it. The Bill was read a first time by a similar majority.

Mr Cresswell, with the .deported men's advocate, tried to intercept; the Umgeni with a tug off Capetown.,in order to oblige the captain to release the men, but the tug was two hours late. Elaborate precautions Jiijd been taken to rescue the deporteds if they managed to escape overboard.

LABOR PARTY'S ACTION.

(Received 1.10 p.m.)

London, February 2

Mr Ramsay MacDonald states that an official labor amendment will be moved to the Address-in-Roply concerning the deportations. The party's executive is obtaining legal idvice with a view to proceeding against the Fmgeni's captain and the owners for illegal detention.

SITUATION IN ORANCIA.

Johannesburg, February 2

The Government has retained the Railway Society's books, and\the railway administration is dealing generously with re-engaged strikers. On the other hand, the situation in Oraugia is depicted as less satisfactory. A message from Bloeinfontein alleges that martial law is more drastically administered in Bloeinfontein than anywhere. The Transvaal strikers are for hidden to leave their houses at an time without special leave. It was an. offence to supply a striker with food, funds, or assistance, except that which is dealing with hi,s ordinary course of business. This is one of the matters Mr Hertzog wishes the proposed Select Committee to investigate.

A Hertzogite candidate for itljc Provincial Council in Orangia, told the electors that it was impossible to trust Botha, because they might wake some morning to find Hertzog deported. , (