§ MR. A. E. PEASE (York)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Despatches have been received from Commissioner Johnston detailing his operations against the Slave Trade on Lake Nyassa both at Makanjilas and M'Ponda's Towns?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. J. W. LOWTHER,) Cumberland, PenrithNo Despatches of the character referred to by the hon. Member have been received from Mr. Johnston. There is, however, reason to believe that two at least of his Despatches have miscarried, and not reached this country. Yesterday, however, a telegram was received at the Foreign Office from Consul-General Johnston, dated 586 Zomba, 8th March, to the following effect:—stating that he had just received further news from Mr. King at Fort Johnston (opposite M'Ponda's). His reason for attacking Zarafi was that the latter had recommenced slave raids against the people on the River Shiré, with the assistance of a large caravan of slaves from Kilwa on the East coast. One Zanzibari is reported killed and some of the Indian troops; Mr. King and six men were wounded. Commander Kean, of Her Majesty's gunboat Herald, had gone to take command at Fort Johnston, and reported on the 3rd March that all was well there, and that M'Ponda was thoroughly loyal. His orders were to remain only on the defensive. It appears that on Zarafi's side 32 men were killed, including seven or eight of the Kilwa traders, his brother Khamisi and his Swahili councillor Barghash. In spite of the fact that our men were repulsed, no attempt had been made by Zarifi to follow up his advantage, and he had retired to the hills. There was no trouble in the district anywhere, but at the south-eastern end of Lake Nyassa. Everywhere else there was peace, and trade was increasing.