§ MR. T. H. COCHRANE (Ayrshire)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has information to the effect that Mr. Shepstone removed all the books of the Swazi nation and papers relating to the affairs of Swaziland from the chief kraal to Pretoria, and has not returned them in spite of repeated requests from the king; if so, by what right does Mr. Shepstone retain these books and papers; and will the Government use their influence to secure their immediate return?
§ *SIR E. GREYIt is understood that the books and papers sent to Pretoria were those bearing on Mr. Shepstone's financial and other relations with the Swazi nation. They were sent to Pretoria with a view to a thorough investigation into Mr. Shepstone's financial transactions, which was desired by the Swazies. A Swazi deputation went to Pretoria to attend at the audit. It is understood that on completion of the audit the books and papers will be returned to Swaziland.