MR. A. M' ARTHUR (Leicester)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is the fact that the tribunal constituted for the trial of the Zulu Chiefs was appointed by Sir Arthur Havelock, the Governor of Zulu-land; whether it is alleged, on the part of the Zulus, that the disturbances for which they are being tried arose out of the maladministration of the Government of Zululand; whether any objection has been taken to the appointment of the tribunal being made by Sir Arthur Havelock, and, if so, on what grounds; whether it is the fact that the summons to Undabuko to take his trial for treason was dated in Pietermaritz burg on October 29, and returnable in Zululand on November 15 at Ekowe, a distance of over 100 miles, 80 miles of which has to be travelled by road; and, is it the case that Undabuko's counsel, being refused necessary time for the 1236 preparation of the defence, declined to appear in the proceedings; and, if so, whether the refusal to grant time has resulted in the Zulu Chiefs being compelled to stand their trial for high treason without the assistance of the counsel selected by them?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The tribunal was appointed by Sir Arthur Havelock after communication with the Secretary of State. The allegation referred to in the second paragraph has been made. As far as the Secretary of State is aware, there is no foundation for the suggestion in the third paragraph. As to paragraph four, the summons appears to have been dated on or about October 29; but Undabuko had notice from the preliminary investigation, which commenced in September, of the nature of the charge and evidence. The Secretary of State telegraphed on the 3rd instant, strongly urging the adjournment of the trials of Undabuko, although already begun, and of Dinizulu for a month or six weeks. This morning he has received a reply that, in accordance with his request, the trial of Undabuko is adjourned for seven weeks; that Dinizulu is not yet committed for trial; but that his trial will also be postponed.
§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)inquired whether it was not a fact that the Governor had entirely disapproved of the action taken by the Zulu Government in sending a force against Dinizulu?
§ BARON HENRY DE WORMSI do not think that that arises out of the Question on the Paper; but I may answer in the negative.