§ MR. WEIRTo ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state how many natives recruited from the British Central Africa Protectorate for labour in the Transvaal have, up to the present time, arrived at the mines; how many have succumbed to disease, and how many have returned home.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) The latest particulars in my possession show that up to February, 1905, of 2,118 natives recruited in British Central Africa, who proceeded to the Transvaal during the years 1903 and 1904, 179 succumbed to disease. I have not the separate figures as to those who have returned home. I have recently discussed the subject of this recruiting with. Sir A. Sharpe, the Commissioner for British Central Africa. He informs me that the local mortality is very high and that those who are recruited are eager to go.