§ MR. THOMAS ELLIS (Merionethshire)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Her Majesty's Government has received information concerning the preliminary examination of the charge against Usibebu, which was held at Eshowe, in Zululand, on or about the 25th of May; whether he can inform the House as to the precise nature of the charge then investigated, and of the decision arrived at by the Court; and whether he is aware that after the close of these preliminary proceedings Usibebu was allowed to return to his location?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. de WORMS,) Liverpool, East ToxtethThe Secretary of State has as yet only received an informal Report of the proceedings from the Governor, who has come to this country on leave of absence. The charge was one of being accessory to the murder at Umsutywana. The Magistrate, after an investigation extending over several weeks, dismissed the charge. The Governor is not altogether satisfied with the action of the Magistrate in dismissing the charge; and it is understood that the case has been referred back to the Resident Commissioner for his further consideration as Chief Magistrate. In the meantime, it is understood that Usibebu remains at Eshowe.