§ MR. THOMAS ELLIS (Merionethshire)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will grant the Returns as to Zululand which stand on the Paper this day?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSHer Majesty's Government have no objection to giving these Returns; but it may be necessary to refer to the Colony for some of the information desired.
§ MR. THOMAS ELLISMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the resident Magistrates in Zululand have at times exceeded their jurisdiction by inflicting lashes considerably in excess of the limit specified by law; whether Magistrates have customarily violated the law by causing sentences of flogging to be put into execution without previous reference to the chief magistrate; and, whether floggings have been inflicted by Magistrates without previous trial?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSThe Secretary of State is not aware of anything to confirm the hon. Member's suggestions, except in one instance where an acting officer exceeded his powers as indicated in the second paragraph of his question. The Secretary of State has dealt with that case, and has directed a special circular to be addressed to all magistrates in Zululand, enjoining them to observe the law in regard to sentences of flogging in every particular.
§ MR. T. ELLISWhat is the limit?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSI am unable to answer that question.