The strike on the Rand, which had its origin in
a regulation affecting five underground mechanics, developed on Friday week to an alarming extent. The whole Reef became involved and other trades were drawn in. The whole of that afternoon and evening there was almost continuous rioting in Johannes- burg. The railway services were stopped, part of the railway station was burned, as well as some offices of the Star news-. paper, valued at about £20,000. Looting, arson, and dynamiting were rampant, and the police and troops were compelled to open fire on the crowds. The rioters included not only the strikers but the hooligan element. The casualties in the street fighting are estimated at two hundred and fifty, among whom were many killed. On Saturday martial law was pro- claimed, and Generals Botha and Smuts arrived to try to effect a settlement. Owing to their mediation the strike was declared at an end that night. A strong minority of strikers, who were indignant at the settlement, continued the rioting, but soon the general remorse at the loss of life was sufficient to restore quietness.
