§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, with reference to Papers regarding South Africa just published, Whether it is still the case, as stated by Sir Garnet Wolseley, in his Despatch of 13th February 1880, that, in the Colony of Natal, the taxation of white men and 711 Natives is most unequal; that, while the Duty on articles for the white men's use is only six per cent., that on blankets and old coats for the Natives is fifteen per cent.; that, while agricultural implements for the whites are free, Kafir picks and hoes pay thirty per cent.; that, while the Natives are subject to a very heavy direct taxation, there is no tax on the land of white planters and speculators; and, if so, whether by the use of the power of the Grown, or by giving votes to qualified Natives, any remedy is proposed for this partiality?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYOn looking at the Natal Tariff, I find that 6 per cent is the ad valorem duty on many articles, and 15 per cent, as stated, is the duty on blankets; but I find no charge of 30 per cent on Kaffir picks and hoes. On the contrary, I infer that they are admitted duty free. The present Tariff came into force since the date of the despatch named, and that may account for the discrepancy. The Natives are subject to a hut tax of 14s., which was imposed when the tax of £5 on Native marriages was abolished, and there is at present no land tax. With reference to the second part of the Question, I would say that these matters are regulated by a Legislative Council, and that even now Natives who elect to be under the ordinary law instead of the peculiar Native law are admitted to the franchise.