§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)I wish to ask the Secretary for the Colonies, whether he can give the House any information in regard to the alleged rising in Matabeleland?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI will read to the House the latest telegram I have received on the subject. It is dated March 26, and is from Sir Hercules Robinson. It says:—
Captain Nicholson telegraphs from Buluwayo at One o'clock to-day that messenger arrived this morning from Shangani district and reported seven white men killed, one wounded, and four missing. The murders were committed with knives. Natives have not many guns. The remaining whites of the district in two laagers—one of 15 men at Shangani and another of 19 men at Stubart's Farm, 20 miles apart. Natives of district left kraal and held indaba yesterday at Jingen, 16 miles from Shangani. Napier's force of 50 men inarching on Jingen to catch, if possible, a witch doctor who is instigator of rising. Eight men from Seluke district at Gwelo and organising defensive measures. Buluwayo alarmed last night by false report of native attack. Great confusion, but no likelihood of attack at present.