§ MR. DILLWYNasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he will inform the House what steps Mr. John Shepstone has taken to establish a new Government in that portion of Zululand which is now known as "The Native Reserve;" and, when the arrangements he is making are likely to be completed?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYIn reply to my hon. Friend, I will read an extract from one of the latest despatches from Sir Henry Bulwer. It is dated the 15th of February—
The Resident Commissioner has fixed upon the place of residence in the Reserved Territory. He is still engaged in the work of ascertaining the views and wishes of the Chiefs and Headmen in the territory, as to their future allegiance. Many of thorn have given in their 1169 decision, but as yet not all, the work having been much retarded by Cetewayo's messages, and by the interference of others, tending to unsettle the minds of the people, and make them uncertain as to what really is to be the fate of the territory, whether it is to be under the Resident Commissioner or under Cetewayo.I think it well here just to say, to all whom it may concern, that there is, and ought to be, no uncertainty in the matter, and that this Reserved Territory, as already announced, will in no way whatever be under Cetewayo. Sir Henry Bulwer goes on to say—In the meantine, I am taking steps for the organization of a local force. I have also, with your Lordship's sanction, conveyed to the Resident Commissioner the necessary instructions about the raising of a hut tax for the purpose of meeting the expenses of the administration of the territory.I may add to this statement of Sir Henry Bulwer that the assignment of permanent locations to the different tribes has been delayed by the uncertainty of how many have to be provided for. And as to other and less pressing details, they are awaiting the arrival of Mr. Osborn, the permanent Commissioner, Mr. John Shepstone acting in the Reserved Territory only temporarily.