§ MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Secretary of State has received a despatch from the Governor of the Orange River Colony, containing a Resolution passed at Bloemfontein on the 4th July by the Congress of the Orange River Union, to be laid before His Majesty; whether he can give the terms of the Resolution; and whether the Union is a body representative of a large majority of the British subjects of European race in the Orange River Colony.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe despatch has been received. The terms of the two Resolutions which it contained are as follows: —"The Congress of the Orangia Union, having considered the provisions of the Constitution granted by His Majesty the King to this Colony, begs 1533 respectfully to express its thanks to His Majesty for the kindly message of good wishes accompanying the grant. It declares itself in full accord with the views expressed in Paragraph V. of the Report of the Central Committee that the liberal measure of responsible Government granted to this Colony will be warmly appreciated and gratefully received by the people; that the trust reposed by His Majesty the King in this community will prove to be fully justified and will greatly aid in the satisfactory solution of difficult problems, and tend to promote contentment amongst the people and the general welfare of the land. The Chairman is instructed to forward this Resolution to His Excellency the Governor with respectful request to bring the same to the notice of His Majesty the King." Resolution—"The Congress of the Orangia Union avails itself of this opportunity to tender its congratulations to His Excellency Sir Hamilton Goold Adams on his appointment as Governor of this Colony. It feels convinced that His Excellency's abilities and experience, coupled with his proved readiness to further the interests of this Colony, will greatly contribute to promote the welfare of this country and its people. The Congress further desires to assure His Excellency that the people of whom its members are the deputies will at all times be found ready and willing to co-operate heartily with him in all measures tending to advance the progress and prosperity of this Colony in particular and of South Africa. Unanimously resolved at Bloemfontein this 4th day of July, 1907." It is generally admitted that the Union represents the large majority of those of Dutch descent in the Orange River Colony.
§ MR. MACKARNESSasked whether the first Resolution was not proposed by ex-President Steyn and seconded by General De Wet.
§ MR. CHURCHILLI cannot say, but probably it is so.