HC Deb 21 June 1883 vol 280 cc1131-2
SIR HENRY HOLLAND

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he can give the House any information as to the alleged murder of a missionary in Zululand and the disappearance of Mr. Herbert Nunn; and, whether Her Majesty's Government still decline to take any steps to restore order in that country?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

The only information which we have about the murder of a Missionary is the following telegram received from Sir Henry Bulwer on the 17th instant:— The Missionary Schroeder has been murdered, but by whom it is uncertain. As to Mr. Herbert Nunn, he is what you may call one of the White aides - de -camp, which the different Chiefs usually have with them. He is with the Chief Oham; but we have no official information as to his being murdered. As to the second part of the Question, I would point out to the right hon. Gentleman that the principal cause of the disturbances at this moment in Zululand is the refusal of Oham either to come into the reserve territory or to submit to Cetewayo, he being in the territory of Cetewayo, and lawfully subject to him. Her Majesty's Government have never claimed or sought to enforce a protection over Zululand proper, and their policy in that respect remains unaltered; but they will be ready to take all measures necessary for the security of the Colony and the peace of the Frontier.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

asked whether the hon. Gentleman now unreservedly withdrew the statement made by him some time ago, that the disturbances were owing to the action of Cetewayo?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

said, the noble Lord was under a misapprehension. He was referring at that time to Usiebebu, but now to the Chief Oham.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS - BEACH

Can the hon. Gentleman say if Mr. Flynn is still with Cetewayo, or whether a successor has been appointed?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

He is still with Cetewayo; and Sir Henry Bulwer has sent a gentleman named Davey to assist him while the appointment of a successor is being considered.