LOOKING BACK

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 50 YEARS AGO

The Coloured community in Malmesbury is simmering with indignation over a “simplified” hymn book which has been introduced exclusively for the use of Coloured congregations of the Dutch Reformed mission churches. At least half the Coloured church members in the village denounce the book, “Sionsgesange”, as “an insult to our intelligence”. It has been referred to among congregants as “the apartheid hymn book”. In Hymn 20 the Lord’s presence is affirmed “in huts and in halls”. In White churches, Coloured congregants say, the Lord is to be found “in halls and homes”. — February 1 1970

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES 25 YEARS AGO

South Africa’s arms industry is set to get a boost from closer ties with companies owned by the French government. Talks began in December last year when the parliamentary joint portfolio committee on defence, led by Tony Yengeni, visited France. Particular interest was shown in the establishment of French naval bases along the South African coastline, a delegate said. French newspaper Le Monde reported yesterday that South Africa and France have started talks aimed at developing industrial co-operation in the field of naval combat vessels and military aircraft. The main project under study was for the construction of four 2,200-ton frigates by Dorbyl shipyards in Durban in association with the French state-owned DCN International firm. — January 29 1995