§ MR. PICTONI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Her Majesty's Government has received a Report as to the trial of Mr. C. E. Akers, of the Gold Coast Constabulary, held at Accra in August last, for administering 72 lashes apiece to more than 20 Krepis in the Gold Coast Territory, who were suspected of stealing a sheep, and of whom four died from the effects of the flogging; whether it is the case that Mr. Akers was indicted for murder; that that accusation was withdrawn, and a charge of assault with intent to inflict bodily injury substituted; and that he was convicted and fined £5, by way of punishment; whether he is still in the service of the Gold Coast Government; whether it is true that Mr. Charles Graves Ferguson, who was a witness for the Crown in a trial for murder held in November, 1888, has been dismissed from the service of the Gold Coast Government; and what was the reason of his dismissal?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSThe Report has been received. There was no sufficient evidence that any of the men died from the flogging, and Mr. Akers was not indicted for murder. The indictment was for assault, occasioning actual bodily harm. Mr. Akers was convicted, and was sentenced by the Acting Chief Justice to pay a fine of £5, and to enter into his own recognisances to keep the peace for six months. He is no longer in the service of the Gold Coast Government. Nothing is known at the Colonial Office of the circumstances referred to in the last paragraph of the question, nor of the person whose name is mentioned; but inquiry will be made.
§ MR. PICTONAre moans taken, or will means be taken, to preserve order?
§ BARON H. DE WORMSYes, Sir; certainly.