News of the day

September 13, 1877 Queen’s decree The Queen of Madagascar has issued a decree liberating all the Mozambique slaves in her dominions. The language of the decree is very quaint: “If any one does not obey this word of mine, and still continue to enslave Mozambiques, I condemn that person, O ye Ambanilanitra, and I shall punish him according to the laws of the kingdom. Whoever buys or whoever sells, such buying and such selling is no longer legal for the matter is finished. If any one does this, O ye Ambanilanitra, I shall consider him worthy of death, for I am a sovereign who deceives not.” September 11, 1879 Charge against a captain The Graaff-Reinet Advertiser reports: “There is a rumour current here that a popular captain of one of our mail steamers is undergoing a ‘courtmartial’ at home about some little unpleasantness that happened on the last trip. As usual, a lady has something to do with it.” Only one similar charge has ever before been alleged against any of the excellent officers of the two mail companies, and proved, after investigation to have been false and malicious. The mail steamer captains are selected not only for their nautical ability, but for gentlemanly habits and unimpeachable honour. September 11, 1879 King Cetywayo – the royal captive at Simon’s Bay Those who have desired to see the captive out of mere idle curiosity might be somewhat surprised to find the savage king possessed of a natural gentility and dignity of demeanour which would put such a class of visitors at a terrible distance. Instead of a monster who could be looked upon as the sightseer would look at a caged lion, they would find a chief, having some of the real dignity of a king. Such, indeed is the fact concerning the Zulu monarch who arrived in Simon’s Bay on Tuesday evening when the humiliation of confinement within the walls of Imhoff Battery will, no doubt, be rendered less painful by the thought that he will, at least, be safe from the eyes of obtrusive curiosity. While on board the steamer on his way down he was asked why he did not appear so cheerful as usual, and did not smile. “Smile!” asked the king. “Did you ever see a dead man smile? I am dead when my country is taken away.” September 15, 1910 Union Bioscope Ceylon, with its wealth of natural beauties, is the principal scenic subject of the programme now showing at the Dutch Reformed Hall. Projected in colours, this film displays beautiful scenes, the effects of which are really magnificent. Every revolution of the projector discloses scenes more beautiful than the preceding ones, while no undue flickering mars the perfectness of the picture. September 10, 1914 The Great Battle To-day’s news of the great battle in France is again encouraging. In pursuance of the Kaiser’s plea of making a dead set at the British, the German right wing was reinforced, but the reinforcements have not been able to check the British advance. Elsewhere along the front of 150 miles between Soissons and Verdun the Allies are fully holding their own. September 14, 1940 S.Africa House damaged – bombed during raids last night South Africa House was damaged during last night’s air raids on London. A church in West London was wrecked. The Law Courts and the west window of Westminster Abbey have also been damaged in recent attacks. The raiders last night found it difficult to penetrate the terrific barrage. Occasionally, however, one or two made a determined drive across the capital and bombs were dropped in many parts. September 13, 1950 N Korean suicide squads active United States troops were today hunting down eight groups of North Koreans who had stolen through their lines on the northwestern front during the night, and Eighth Army spokesman announced. At several points Communists had advanced up to 4,000 yards into Americanheld territory, but all the infiltrating parties were located. American artillery scored direct hits on a North Korean self-propelled gun which had penetrated 2,000 yards behind the United Nations forward positions. September 12, 1950 Modern motor-cars sacrifice durability for style. Sir, In discussing the pros and cons of pre-1940 cars, your correspondent “1937” touches on what I consider a very important aspect of the motor industry. He refers to “the more workmanlike models of say, 1937, a year that produced some of the most satisfactory cars ever built.” To my mind this maddening and costly style race on the part of car manufacturers is leading us up the path of production of polished junk. It is common knowledge that most modern cars can be dented appreciably with a blow from one’s fist. Old timer, Goodwood September 12, 1950 All was peace on the General’s farm today There was no unusual activity at General Smuts’s farm, Doornkloof, at Irene, today. No crowds gathered and no attempt was made to stop any-one approaching the homestead. A few cars were parked outside. They belonged to some of General Smuts’s closest friends and relatives. The General’s own cars were parked in the garage. One was covered with a dust sheet but the model presented to him on his 50th birthday was ready for use. In Irene, the flag in front of the policestation was flying at halfmast. There was no other indication that General Smuts had died. September 8, 1986 Tutu’s joy and passion Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been enthroned head of three million Anglicans in a colourful ceremony amid impassioned pleas for negotiation and nonviolent change in South Africa. The ceremony in St George’s Cathedral shone with the colour of churchmen’s robes and glittered with dignitaries like Mrs Coretta Scott King, widow of American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, and their son, Martin Luther King III. The Eucharist at the Cape Showground in Goodwood drew about 9 000 people. Asking the congregants to pray for President P W Botha, Tutu said: “Whether I like it or not, whether he likes it or not… P W Botha is my brother and I must desire and pray for the best for him.”