§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will 1367 state the nature of the differences which have arisen between the native population and the Chartered Company of British North Borneo; have any efforts been made by the British North Borneo Company to discuss the grievances of the natives with a view to an amicable settlement, as on a previous occasion, when Mat Salleh delivered his sword to Mr. Cowie, the manager of the British North Borneo Company; will he state the nature of the expedition sent against Mat Salleh and his followers; and whether the expenses will be charged to the British taxpayer or to the British North Borneo Company.
§ * MR. BRODRICKNo differences have arisen so far as Her Majesty's Government are aware between the British North Borneo Company and the native population in the company's territory, except in the case of Mat Salleh and his immediate followers. Every effort was made by the officers of the company to enter into communication with Mat Salleh, but he declined to respond, and two of the company's messengers who were conveying a friendly message to him were murdered by his followers. The expedition against Mat Salleh was composed of about 150 men of the company's police, and the whole cost will be borne by the company.