SOUTH AFRICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2520, 5 June 1909, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

GABLE NEWS.

THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE URGE ITS ACCEPTANCE.

United Press Association —Copyright * DURBAN, June 3. The federation of Chambers of Commerce at Durban, by 60 to 4, urged Natal’s acceptance of the Constitution. CAPE PARLIAMENT ADOPTS CONSTITUTION. 'THE PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION QUESTION. (Received Jane 4, 11 p.m.) CAPETOWN, June 4. The Capetown Parliament, Mr. Schriener and Sir Gordon Sprigg aiono dissenting, adopted the Union Constitution. (Received June 4, 11.10 p.m.) PRETORIA, June 4. General Botha, in tho Assembly at Pretoria, declared that union was nearly -wrecked at the late Bloemfontein conference. The Transvaal representatives only abandoned proportional representation in the face of the gravest opposition. Other speakers emphasised their disappointment at the withdrawal of proportional representation. BRITISH MINISTER’S UNFORTUNATE REMARK. SOUTH AFRICAN ISUSCEPTIBILITIES OFFENDED. (Received June 4, 11.30 p.m.) CAPETOWN, June 4. Referring to stateriients made by Colonel Seely, Secretary for the Colonies, in the House of Commons, that amendments to the South African Constitution would possibly be made in London, Mr. J. X. Merriman, Premier of Cape Colony, at Capetown described it as a typical official speech to bo loosed off without regarding colonial feeling. He said that Colonel Seely’s speech was 'the. more amazing because he had been the spokesman of the party which at- a 'tacked Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, when 'the Commonwealth Bill was before the House of Commons,- for introducing amendments at variance with Australian views.

Mr. J. W. Sauer, Minister of Public Works, declared: “As surely as the sun shines, once the union is accomplished it will not tolerate interference in South African affairs.” The Colonial Office has issued an explanation that it is not- intended to alter the Constitution, except in its technical phraseology.