§ MR. R. N. FOWLERasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any confirmation of the statement in the newspapers from Mr. Colenso, Norwich; and, whether he can give the House any information as to the fate of Cetewayo?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYSir, the only information we have received is the telegram which arrived at the Colonial Office yesterday about 2 o'clock. It is from Sir Henry Bulwer, and is dated the 7th August, from Pietermaritzburg; and it says that—
The Resident with Cetewayo had reported that a message had come from Cetewayo to say that he was alive.
§ MR. R. N. FOWLERIs that Mr. Finn?
§ AIR. EVELYN ASHLEYYes; Mr. Finn. The telegram goes on to say— 1988
Mr. Osborne, Resident in the Reserved Territory, doubts the truth of the statement, and thinks it is a Usuto party scheme; but it is further stated that a missionary named Robertson thinks it certain Cetewayo is alive.I do not know who Missionary Robertson is, as we never heard of him before. Then Sir Henry Bulwer says—I have told Osborne to verify the report at once; but as there is no telegraphic communication, I suppose it will be some days before we get any further verification of the news.
§ MR. R. N. FOWLERHas the hon Member received any communication from Mr. Colenso as to what the information is founded upon?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYNo, Sir.
§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTDoes the telegram say where Cetewayo is?
[No reply.]