§ MR. THOMAS OWENI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to a letter from the Rev. Frank R. Harbord, in charge of the Church of England Mission at Jägersfontein, dated 1st April, and published in English newspapers, wherein he alleges that 13 Zulu boys were treated with great injustice and cruelty by the mine managers, which induced them to endeavour to make their escape; that they were recaptured and assaulted; that, notwithstanding, they were next day brought before the magistrate, who sentenced all to punishments, but five of them to be flogged with cat-o'-nine-tails or the payment of an impossible fine; and that, in consequence of representations made to him, the Public Prosecutor proceeded against two of the managers, with the result that they were only fined £5 each; and has he any information to show whether the above facts are, in the main, correct; and, if so, what steps he intends to take in consequence, and to remedy the existing state of things?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, PoplarThe newspaper sent me by the hon. Member is the first intimation we have received of the matter referred to. We will cause inquiry to be made in regard to the matter through the High Commissioner.