§ MR. HERBERT SAMUEL (Yorkshire, Cleveland)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state what was the cause of the riot on 9th April at the Jumpers Deep Mine in the Transvaal; how many Chinese coolies were concerned in it; how many were arrested; and, if their trial has already taken place, what sentences were inflicted.
§ THE SECRETARY OP STATE FOE THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and LeamingtonI have received the following statement as to this outbreak from the officer administering the Government:—"Cause of outbreak at Jumpers Deep was that leave of absence had been temporarily restricted owing to recent contraventions by coolies of Section 19 of the Labour Ordinance. About 400 coolies broke out of bounds and were intercepted by police about two miles from compound. Police turned coolies back to compound. Certain number got on railway line and threw stones without effect. Twenty-nine were arrested and are being charged with riot and assault, but trial has not yet taken place. Coolies were only absent from compound for one and half hours. Whole incident unimportant."
§ MR. HERBERT SAMUELWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the effect of Section 19 of the Labour Ordinance?
§ MR. LYTTELTONIt is the section which prohibits the coolies from leaving the compound without permission.