§ ME. PLATT-HIGGINS (Salford, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any official information as to wanton destruction of private property in the Cape Colony by the Boers under Commandant Scheepers.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.I am informed by Governor that on 6th July Scheepers, accompanied by Lieutenant Luyt and twenty-two men, rode into Murraysburg and stated that he intended to burn down public offices. He allowed acting magistrate to remove contents of safes and some papers and books, and warned him to leave by noon on 7th July. He also warned Sharwood, storekeeper, and Innes, secretary of divisional council, that he intended to burn their houses, and gave them one hour to remove goods. They removed nearly all their furniture, but time did not permit of removing Sharwood's stock. Both houses, as well as public offices and their contents, and some carts and wagons, were then burnt by Scheepers' orders. Scheepers left on 7th July, saying that he was going to burn down Herholdt's farmhouse. He carried out his threat, but I have received no particulars as yet. I have seen telegram from Commandant of Richmond saying that farmer from Murraysburg reports Scheepers stated that his next bonfire would be in Richmond, and threatens that any farmer who reports to authorities would get his farmhouse burnt, and would have to leave with his stock to nearest military station. I understand that Mr. Herholdt was the well-known Dutch member of the Cape Legislative Council. He has taken no part in the war, and his only offence was, I believe, the moderate attitude adopted by him in the Cape Parliament. The proceedings of Scheepers appear to be mere acts of brigandage.