THE RAND REVOLT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18442, 28 March 1922, Page 5

THE RAND REVOLT.

FOREIGN SUPPORT DENIED. CAPETOWN, March 26. Mr. Crawford, general secretary of the South African Industrial Federation, who was turned out by the extremists when tbe general strike was declared, states that so far as he knows there is no truth '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 of the International Federation of Trade Unions at Amsterdam stated that owing to European movements and Russian relief support was impossible. It is generally accepted that trade unionism on the Rand has 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 <hany victimisation. The municipal trams are now running after twenty-four days’ cessation. .•

MARTIAL LAW WITHDRAWAL DEBATED. CAPETOWN, March 24. General Smuts has Introduced in the Assembly an Indemnity Bill providing tor the withdrawal of martial law on the Rand, indemnifying Government officers for acts committea in good faith during the martial law. Mr. Hertzog asked if the Premier 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, and only if it appears necessary as a result of the trials.” ,Mr. Hertzog demanded an inquiry into the administration of martial law before the Bill was agreed to. The Speaker raised the question whether it would be constitutional to appoint a Parliamentary Commission simultaneously with Courts to inquire into identical facts. Mr. Boydell, a Labour leader, also demanded an inquiry, suggesting that the League of Nations appoint a body for that purpose.