SOUTH AFRICA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume 1, Issue 7, 13 February 1914, Page 7

SOUTH AFRICA.

THE INDEMNITY BILL. "Times" —"Sydney Sun" Special Cable. (Received February 13, 8.30 a.m.)

CAPE TOWN, February 12. The Hon. J. Merriman, during the Assembly debate oh the Indemnity Bill, said he could condone the Government's action, excepting thg perpetual banishment of the Labour leaders without trial. THE DEPORTED MEN. SHOULD THEY BE BROUGHT BACK? '•('Received-,' February* 13, -8.45 a,.m.) ' CA£E Mr Merriman, in the course of his speech, said that the passengers by the Umgeni were enemies* of society, but the grave error was made of deporting them without trial. The right course was to bring the deported men back and try them. The Government had struck two deadly blows at the Empire. First the Government got into a mess with the Indian Empire and now they were sending a number of dangerous agitators to inflame public opinion when Britain is on the verge of civil war. ' JOHANNESBURG, February 12. The. majority of the wives of the deported men are awaiting their husbands' instructions. Mrs Bain and Mrs Poutsma will accept free passages. "TOO LATE." MENTION IN PARLIAMENT, (Received February 13, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, February 12. The Rt. Hon.- Lewis .sHarcourt, in rejjiy to a question, said that the Colonial Office on the 27th ult., when it was too late for a reply, received information of the intended deportations. Mr Ramsay M'Donald moved an amendment to the Address-in-Reply, to instruct Lord Gladstone to reserve the. Indemnity Bill until, a, judicial enquiry has been instituted. He contended that martial law and deportations without trial were unwarranted. iMr Harcpiirt said the indemnity question was one for the South African people and the Parliament. Mr Rainsya M 'Donald's amendment

was defeated by 214 votes to 50. Lord Robert Cecil argued that it would be impossible, when self-govern-ment was once given to South Africa or Ireland, for the Imperial Government to interfere or reverse the decisions of its Parliament. —— ■ i , PRINCE ARTHUR WANTED. , (Received February 13, 12.30 p.m.) , CAPE TOWN, February 12. • The press is urging the appointment J 6f Prince Arthur of Connaught as Viceroy.