§ SIR E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Her Majesty's Government have confirmation of the telegrams in Tuesday's papers that bands of armed Matabeles have reappeared on the borders of Mashonaland, and that the Mashonas are flying for safety to the British fortifications; and whether his attention has been called to the statement by the British Chaplain at Victoria that about 3 o'clock in the after- 1145 noon, of July 8, whilst holding a Sunday school, the church and parsonage were surrounded by an impi of Matabele, who were on all sides massacreing the Mashonas without mercy, simply out of thirst for blood?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. S. BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, PoplarWe have no confirmation of the news referred to. As regards the second question, I am not sure if I have seen the particular statement mentioned. But, of course, there is no doubt that the Matabele did raid within the town of Victoria. I may add that Papers on the subject, containing all the latest news in our possession, were presented yesterday, and will be distributed, I hope, on Monday.